Picture courtesy of Amarin.

 

Six fishermen were rescued from the sea after their crab trap fishing boat capsized amid strong winds and towering waves off the coast of Rayong on the morning of 20 July. The crew survived by clinging to floating debris and were rescued just in time by nearby vessels.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 09:00 when the Por Surin fishing boat, a 12-metre crab trap vessel captained by Mr. Boonrod, was collecting crab pots between Koh Samet and Koh Thalu, around 8 nautical miles from the coast of Pae subdistrict, Mueang District, Rayong Province.

 

Sudden rough weather brought waves exceeding two metres and powerful gusts began flooding the boat. The crew attempted to pump out the incoming seawater, but the worsening storm overwhelmed their efforts. As the situation deteriorated, the crew radioed for help from nearby fishing boats.

 

There were three other fishing vessels in the vicinity. The Por Surin crew also filmed parts of the emergency using a mobile phone. The situation became critical when a massive wave struck the port side of the vessel and causing the boat to overturn and sink.

 

Fortunately, Mr. Sanya Laprom, captain of the S. Supprasert 8, witnessed the capsizing and immediately coordinated with two larger boats nearby to launch a rescue. All six crew members, including Captain Boonrod, were found floating in the sea and were safely pulled aboard.

 

All crew members were brought ashore unharmed, though shaken. The rescue highlights the dangers faced by small-scale fishermen during the rainy season and the crucial role of mutual support among maritime workers.

 

Authorities have warned small fishing vessels to closely monitor weather forecasts and avoid venturing out during stormy conditions, as tropical systems continue to affect the Gulf of Thailand.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-21

 

 

 

 

Many of the small fishing boats I see in Rayong and Chonburi do not look seaworthy.  Heavily modified with bits of old wood - looking like a beach shed, low freeboard, no navigation lights, no GPS or radar.  I'm surprised there's not more incidents.

 

It looks to be a very low margin business with zero safety standards.  I'm also guessing that the crew are not the owners of the boats?