Gulf of Thailand: Nine Fishermen Rescued After Trawler Collision
A harrowing maritime incident unfolded in the Gulf of Thailand early Sunday morning, leaving nine fishermen adrift after their trawler sank following a collision with a large passenger vessel. In a swift and commendable rescue operation, all nine crew members were rescued by a Thai navy helicopter.
The fishing trawler, Vor Sapchanon, departed its home port in Songkhla on Saturday for what should have been a routine fishing expedition. However, tragedy struck in the predawn hours of Sunday. Around 2 a. m., a crew member contacted the trawler’s owner via satellite phone, reporting that the Vor Sapchanon had collided with a significantly larger ocean liner and was rapidly taking on water.
The crew relayed their approximate location as 70 to 80 nautical miles off the Songkhla-Nakhon Si Thammarat coastline. This vital information was immediately relayed to the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre, triggering a rapid response.
Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakul, commander of the 2nd Naval Area, immediately ordered a search and rescue operation. Naval assets were mobilized, and by 10 a. m. on Sunday, a navy helicopter located the nine crew members in the Gulf of Thailand. All nine—three Thai nationals, three Cambodians, and three Myanmar citizens, including Captain Theerawat Thaomoi—were safely hoisted aboard.
The survivors were transported to the naval base in Songkhla for medical assessment and debriefing. While shaken, all are reportedly in good condition.
The dramatic rescue underscores the inherent risks faced by fishermen operating in busy shipping lanes. While the exact circumstances of the collision remain unclear, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maritime safety protocols. Several critical questions arise: Was the ocean liner aware of the collision? Did the vessel sustain any damage? What factors contributed to this near-tragedy?
The identity of the ocean liner remains a mystery. Authorities have not disclosed the vessel’s name, nor indicated whether its crew was aware of the collision. This lack of information has fueled speculation and calls for a thorough investigation to determine the sequence of events leading to the sinking of the Vor Sapchanon. Understanding the cause is crucial for accountability and preventing similar incidents.
The collision highlights the vulnerability of smaller vessels, like fishing trawlers, sharing waters with much larger ships. The significant size difference can make smaller craft difficult to detect, especially in low light or adverse weather. This incident underscores the need for enhanced vigilance and communication among all vessels in the Gulf of Thailand to ensure the safety of all mariners.
