Fishing Boat Catches Fire Off Songkhla Coast

A fishing boat caught fire shortly after leaving port near the mouth of Songkhla Lake on 10 July 2026, prompting a major emergency response by Thailand’s Second Naval Area Command. All nine crew members were rescued safely, with no injuries reported.

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The vessel, Wong Charoen 99, departed Wong Charoen Fishing Pier at 4.30pm and was heading into the Gulf of Thailand to begin a fishing trip when a fire broke out at the stern.

According to Fisheries Checkpoint Management Centre 8 (Songkhla), the vessel was registered as Wong Charoen 99, registration number TB.267430218, vessel identification TM4836D. The fishing boat measured 57.79 gross tonnes and was licensed to operate a silver pomfret lift-net fishery. Officials confirmed the vessel had completed the required departure notification through the official system before the fire started.

Following the emergency call, the Second Naval Area Command deployed HTMS 858 to the scene to tackle the blaze using water and firefighting foam. Marine Police, the Regional Marine Department office in Songkhla and other agencies also joined the operation, helping secure the area, manage marine traffic and evacuate the crew from danger.

Firefighters and rescue teams spent more than one hour bringing the fire under control. The operation was made more difficult because the vessel was carrying fuel and large quantities of fishing equipment, increasing the risk and complexity of extinguishing the blaze.

Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

Authorities confirmed that all nine crew members escaped safely. The crew consisted of five Thai nationals, three Cambodian nationals and one Myanmar national.

Khaosod reported that the extent of damage to the vessel has not yet been officially assessed. Investigators are examining the cause of the fire and will determine the full circumstances of the incident before issuing their final findings.

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12 July 2026