Yacht Wrecked by Storm Off Najomtien Beach

Picture courtesy of ป๊อปพิฆาตชายฝั่ง

A 41-foot sailing yacht was completely destroyed after being driven ashore by powerful waves late night on 13 June, crashing into a stone breakwater near Najomtien Soi 22 in Sattahip district, Chonburi province.

The vessel, identified as “Suay” (meaning “beautiful” in Thai), hull number 516780914, was found in pieces, its wooden and fibreglass components shattered and strewn across the rocks. Onlookers at the scene included the distraught owner, 64-year-old Mr. Logan Hind, a Canadian national who stood silently watching what remained of his beloved boat.

Mr. Hind, a long-time visitor to Thailand, said he had been coming in and out of the country for the past eight years, captivated by its stunning seascapes and natural charm. Speaking to officials, he explained that he had purchased the yacht for several hundred thousand baht, fulfilling a lifelong dream to explore Thailand’s coastal waters.

“I fell in love with Thailand’s natural beauty,” Mr. Hind said, holding back tears. “This yacht was my dream. I took such good care of it. Seeing it in pieces like this, it’s heartbreaking.”

According to Mr. Hind, the yacht was anchored offshore when violent waves struck around 21:00. The anchor failed to hold against the storm’s force, and the yacht was dragged onto the shore, colliding violently with a concrete breakwater. Mr. Hind, who had been at his residence in nearby Bang Saray at the time, only learned of the incident early morning.

Najomtien Subdistrict Mayor Ms. Raphiphan Rattanaliam was notified of the incident by her secretary, Mr. Watthana Boonruang. She promptly dispatched officials to assist Mr. Hind and assess the situation.

As the wreckage was beyond repair, Mr. Hind agreed to relinquish the remains of the vessel and its equipment to local authorities. Mr. Watthana was authorised to manage the cleanup. Local fishermen were invited to help salvage what they could, with any valuable parts to be sold and proceeds shared among the helpers as a goodwill gesture.

  Adapted by Asean Now from ป๊อปพิฆาตชายฝั่ง 2025-06-15