On December 19, 2022, an HTMS Sukhothai corvette crewmember is moved to the Bangsaphan deep port in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Thailand. AP / Anuthep Cheysakron
Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand —
One surviving sailor was discovered Tuesday in the Gulf of Thailand after spending two nights at sea following the sinking of a navy warship, offering hope to the families of the more than two dozen still missing sailors.
76 sailors from the HTMS Sukhothai have been rescued from the water since the ship sank late Sunday around 22 miles off Thailand’s southeast coast.
The navy reported that rescuers in helicopters, two planes, and four vessels — the HTMS Kraburi, HTMS Angthong, HTMS Naresuan, and HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej — were searching for 29 missing servicemen.
Tuesday afternoon, naval commander Pichai Lorchusakul confirmed that they had located Chananyu Gansriya, 23, from Loei province in good health.
“I believe it’s wonderful news that we were able to find additional people,” he added, adding that Chananyu was receiving medical attention aboard the HTMS Angthong.
Earlier, another naval official, Narong Khumburi, expressed optimism that survivors will be located because they are equipped with “life vests.”
“However, I believe they must be tired,” he continued.
The focus of efforts to locate the missing crew was on aircraft searches, with the Royal Thai Air Force aiding the operation, which has been hindered by high winds.
At the port in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan, families of the missing waited anxiously for news.
Siri Esa, the mother of onboard 21-year-old Saharat Esa, smiled when she learned of the most recent rescue.
“I have faith in my son as well. This is excellent news “She stated,
The waves were still tall. Admiral Pogkrong Montradpalin, a spokesperson for the navy, stated on Tuesday that the search area had expanded and was now concentrating “on the area close shore, depending to currents and wind.”
At the same pier, commander Pichai of the navy expressed his continued confidence. “We are optimistic,” he remarked.
Sahachart Limcharoenphakdee, a member of the National Institute of Emergency Medicine, stated that they were collaborating with naval troops to provide medical attention to people who were rescued from the water.
“I am optimistic and have faith in the navy’s skilled rescue squad,” he said.
Local physicians have evaluated the condition of those rescued earlier, and several have been transported to hospitals.
Some “suffered from shattered bones in the upper arm and fingers,” according to Dr. Wara Selawattanakul of the provincial department of health.
50-year-old mother Phongsri Suksawat expressed hope that her youngest son, Chirawat Toophorm, would be located.
“I assumed everything would be great and nothing unpleasant would come of the storm,” she claimed, adding that her son requested her to care for his wife before he boarded the ship. She stated, “I would like to hug him.”
According to the navy, the corvette, the smallest sort of naval warship, is suspected to have encountered problems after its electrical system was destroyed.
In recent days, parts of southern Thailand have been impacted by rains and flooding.
The Thai meteorological office issued a warning for the Gulf of Thailand on Tuesday, with strong winds generating rough seas. Small boats were urged to remain ashore and mariners were warned to exercise caution.
According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the HTMS Sukhothai was commissioned in 1987 and constructed in the United States by the now-defunct Tacoma Boatbuilding Company.
»Thai sailors were rescued two days after their Navy ship went down, but many are still missing«