Four Indonesian fishermen who survived more than a week adrift at sea after their boat’s engine failed and they fashioned a makeshift sail from burlap sacks have been rescued off Satun, Thai authorities said on 16 June 2026.
Get today's headlines by email 
The men were among a six-member crew aboard the fishing vessel Teratai, which suffered engine failure on 5 June while operating in waters near the Malacca Strait. The disabled vessel drifted for approximately nine days before reaching waters off Satun province, where Thai authorities located and rescued the remaining four crew members.
According to officials, the fishermen attempted to return towards Indonesia by sewing together burlap sacks to create a makeshift sail. However, strong southwest monsoon winds pushed the vessel northwards instead, carrying it into waters near Satun.
The case came to light after local fishermen reported seeing several men in the sea calling for help around 13 nautical miles from Koh Adang, within the vicinity of the Tarutao National Park area. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (Thai-MECC), together with security agencies, later located the vessel and brought the survivors ashore to Koh Rawi.
The four men were provided with food, drinking water, clothing and medical examinations on humanitarian grounds. Initial questioning confirmed they were Indonesian nationals from North Sumatra who had set out on a fishing trip before experiencing mechanical failure.
Officials said the crew survived on limited supplies as conditions deteriorated. At one stage, some crew members entered the sea and approached passing Thai fishing boats to request food and water.
Thai fishermen reportedly supplied provisions but did not take the men aboard because of rough sea conditions and concerns they could be illegal migrants or pirates. Information later shared through regional authorities confirmed the vessel matched reports of a missing Indonesian fishing boat from Langkat Regency in North Sumatra.
During the ordeal, two crew members became separated from the vessel and were previously rescued from the sea by a Malaysian boat. They were subsequently returned to Indonesia. The remaining four crew members continued drifting aboard the disabled vessel until their rescue by Thai authorities.
Khaosod reported that Satun Governor Kanit Kongchuay said authorities had instructed the men and their vessel to remain in a safe location until sea conditions improve.
“We have instructed Thai-MECC and security agencies to provide food, drinking water and clean clothing in accordance with humanitarian principles,” he said.
“Once weather conditions improve and their health has recovered, authorities will conduct further interviews. If no irregularities are found, they will be transferred to Satun Immigration Police for processing under immigration laws.”
Picture courtesy of Khaosod
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Khaosod 17 June 2026