33 Crew Rescued After Fishing Boat Sinks off Chonburi

Pictures courtesy of Sattahip News

Thirty-three crew members were rescued after a fishing vessel sank in the Gulf of Thailand off Chonburi province on 3 January 2026. The incident occurred after the boat was struck by large waves, forcing all crew to abandon the vessel and remain afloat at sea before help arrived. All 33 people were brought safely ashore with no injuries reported.

The rescue operation, reported on 5 January, was coordinated by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre (ศรชล.) and the Chonburi Maritime Security Coordination Centre (ศคท.จว.ชลบุรี). These agencies worked jointly with the Operations Centre of Maritime Enforcement Command Region 1, the First Naval Area Command, patrol vessel Tor.267 and the Chonburi PIPO (Port In Port Out) Centre. Local fishing boats in the area also assisted in the rescue.

The vessel involved, named N. Kong Thon Thany, encountered difficulties at coordinates latitude 12 degrees 20 minutes 17 seconds north and longitude 100 degrees 46 minutes 39 seconds east. After receiving the distress report, Tor.267 was dispatched to the scene, while nearby fishing vessels moved in to provide immediate support. The rescued crew were transported back to shore at Sattahip Fishing Pier, arriving at approximately 9.30 pm.

According to the official assessment, the boat sank after being hit by a large wave that caused the bow to take on water. Fishing nets were reported to have blocked the drainage openings at the front of the vessel, increasing the weight at the bow. This combination led to the bow submerging further and ultimately caused the vessel to sink.

Authorities confirmed that Tor.267 and nearby fishing vessels jointly assisted in stabilising the situation. Another vessel, Sor. Kitnarong, helped transport the crew back to shore, with Tor.267 escorting the vessel during the return journey to Sattahip. No injuries were reported among the crew, and all were accounted for upon arrival.

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre reiterated its role as the lead agency responsible for integrating maritime security operations. It stated that the organisation is recognised at the regional level for protecting national maritime interests to ensure security, prosperity, and sustainability for the country and its people. Members of the public were reminded that maritime emergencies can be reported via the 24-hour hotline 1465 or 02 888 1465.

Key Takeaways

• A total of 33 crew members were rescued safely after their fishing boat sank off Chonburi on 3 January 2569.

• The vessel sank after large waves struck the bow and blocked drainage caused water to accumulate.

• Multiple agencies and local fishing boats coordinated to complete the rescue without injuries.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Sattahip News 2026-01-06