A fishing trip turned perilous off Koh Racha Yai on the afternoon of August 12 when a commercial vessel was struck by a large wave and capsized. Thanks to quick action by nearby mariners and coordinated search-and-rescue teams, all nine people on board were brought to safety without injuries.
Officials say the incident underscores both the hazards of sudden rough seas in the Andaman and the effectiveness of prompt maritime response in the region. Local authorities continue to urge seafarers to monitor conditions and to report emergencies immediately.
Nine fishermen rescued after boat capsizes off Racha Yai
At approximately 2:50pm on August 12, the fishing vessel W. Chokmana 1 was turning back toward shore when it was hit by a large wave. The impact left the vessel unable to withstand the current and it sank off the island’s southwest coast near Koh Racha Yai, according to the Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center Region 3 (Thai MECC 3).
All nine people on board — eight crew members and the vessel’s captain — were wearing life jackets when they issued a distress call. Their preparedness likely played a crucial role in keeping them alive and visible to rescuers while adrift in the open water.
Helicopter and navy ship lead swift rescue operation
Thai MECC 3 Commander Vice Admiral Suwat Donsakul immediately ordered search-and-rescue operations and dispatched a Type 4 transport helicopter to the reported coordinates. The navy vessel HTMS Hua Hin was also sent to the scene, and other rescue agencies were placed on standby to assist as needed.
While the airborne team worked to locate the fishermen, a nearby fishing boat, the Chai Trakan, was first on scene and recovered the survivors from the water. The combined effort of civilian mariners and official responders demonstrated effective coordination during a time-sensitive emergency.
All nine saved, transferred to HTMS Hua Hin dock
After being recovered by the Chai Trakan, the survivors were transferred to HTMS Hua Hin for further assessment and transport. By 8:30pm the same evening, all nine were safely brought ashore at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command pier at Cape Panwa on Phuket’s east coast.
None of the fishermen sustained injuries, and Vice Admiral Suwat personally met with them to express gratitude to the Hua Hin crew and other agencies involved. He reiterated the navy’s commitment to safeguarding the Andaman Sea, protecting marine resources, and responding promptly to maritime emergencies.
Authorities remind the public that maritime emergencies, disasters or threats can be reported 24 hours a day to the Marine Department Region 3 at 1465. Incidents like this highlight the importance of life jackets, timely distress reporting, and the readiness of rescue services operating in Thai waters.
