Fishing Boat Sinks Off Sattahip, 16 Rescued, Five Missing

A fishing boat, the Sor Kanchanawari 888, sank off the coast of Samae San in Sattahip district, Chonburi, on September 22, leading to the rescue of 16 crew members, but leaving five others missing. One additional crew member was rescued from the sea later in the evening on September 22, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 16. These crew members received initial medical checks from the Sawang Rojanatham Foundation before being transported to Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital for further examination. The five missing crew members are identified as Myanmar nationals: Soe Lat, 38; San Htike, 47; Naing Oo, 45; Htun Lwin, 22; and Khin Maung Aye, 47. Initial reports suggest that two of the missing may be trapped inside the sunken vessel and possibly deceased, though this has not yet been confirmed. The whereabouts of the remaining three are unknown. Underwater search operations were temporarily suspended after dark due to safety concerns. The search is scheduled to resume on September 23 with a special operations team from the Royal Thai Navy’s First Naval Area, including personnel from the Naval Special Warfare Command (Navy SEALs), Patrol Vessel 112, and the Sawang Rojanatham Foundation’s water-rescue team. Prior to underwater operations, weather conditions, currents, and other safety factors will be assessed. Once the suspected victims inside the vessel are recovered, authorities plan to assess salvage methods for the Sor Kanchanawari 888, determine the cause of the sinking, and evaluate the possibility of repairs.