The Thai military announced ongoing search and rescue efforts after a severe storm in the Gulf of Thailand left at least 33 sailors unaccounted for last night. Authorities said ships, aircraft and helicopters were mobilized to locate crew members believed to have been swept into the sea during the incident. The focus of the search is on an emergency raft that may still be afloat, carrying crew members who abandoned ship in distress. The operation reflects a coordinated response across multiple branches of the armed forces as officials work to account for everyone on board the vessel. The public update from the armed forces underscored the seriousness of the situation and the immediate steps taken to assist those in danger.
The corvette HTMS Sukhothai started taking on water and began to sink just before midnight on Sunday, after a string of engine problems left the vessel vulnerable while it was about 37 kilometers east of the Prachuap Khiri Khan coast, southwest of Bangkok. In the chaotic moment that followed, all 106 personnel aboard were ordered to abandon ship, with 73 rescuers picked up by a pursuing navy vessel in the hours that followed.
Video footage released by the Armed Forces shows the ship listing as life jackets and inflatable rafts populate the surface near the sinking. A nighttime camera captured the bow emerging from the waves as the vessel slid further into the Gulf, with a turret appearing above the waterline during the final moments. The ship was built in the United States and had been in service since 1987, contributing to regional maritime patrols and defense operations for decades. The ongoing salvage and recovery effort continues as authorities work to locate any crew members who may still be in distress. The incident prompted a rapid deployment of coastal and maritime resources to assist in rescue operations and to secure the surrounding area from additional hazards. Sources from the Thai Navy indicate that weather conditions deteriorated quickly, complicating rescue attempts yet underscoring the urgency of the response. The situation remains fluid, and officials have urged patience as teams broaden the search radius and assess damaged sections of the vessel and its debris field.
As investigators review the incident, teams will likely examine engine logs, weather data, and navigational records to determine the sequence of events that led to the Sukhothai’s rapid sinking. In the meantime, families of crew members await updates, while naval authorities emphasize that every possible ledge of information will be pursued to confirm the status of all personnel. The navy has requested that the public respect the privacy of families during this difficult period while operations continue. The resilience of rescue crews and the swift mobilization of resources highlight the commitment to safeguarding mariners in dangerous weather and rough seas. The latest statements from the armed forces reiterated dedication to locating missing crew members and providing assistance to those rescued. The public is advised to follow official briefings for continued updates and operational details, with authorities promising to share new information as it becomes available.
In the broader context, the Sukhothai incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by naval crews during monsoon season and extreme weather in the Gulf of Thailand. Maritime safety protocols, routine maintenance checks, and emergency readiness remain central to preventing similar tragedies in the future. Ongoing investigations will inform possible improvements in ship design, crew training, and response strategies for high-sea emergencies, particularly for vessels operating near coastlines prone to sudden squalls. The Thai defense ministry has acknowledged the need for thorough review while expressing gratitude for the swift and professional conduct of rescue teams, whose efforts continue to bring closure to the families affected by this loss.
As the search continues, observers note the importance of transparent communication from authorities, timely updates for families, and sustained international cooperation in maritime safety. The Sukhothai event underscores the enduring dangers of sea travel in volatile weather and the unyielding commitment of rescue personnel who put danger aside to save lives. Official channels will remain the primary source for verified information as crews press forward with recovery operations and the broader investigation into the cause and circumstances surrounding the sinking.