Man Dies After Speedboat Capsizes in Rough Seas off Sattahip

Picture courtesy of Khaosod

A 37-year-old man has died after a speedboat capsized and trapped him beneath it during rough sea conditions off the coast of Sattahip district in Chon Buri province on January 23, 2026. The incident occurred after strong winds and heavy waves caused the boat’s anchor to drag, prompting the man to swim out to check the vessel. Despite rescue efforts by locals and emergency services, he later succumbed to his injuries at hospital.

Police were alerted to the incident at around 5.00pm on January 23, 2026. Pol Lt Thit Nattapong Kalpanart, a duty investigator at Sattahip Police Station, received a report of a speedboat overturning with a person missing in the sea near Soi Khan Ruea, Samaesarn subdistrict, Sattahip district. He led officers to the scene alongside medical staff from Queen Sirikit Naval Hospital, Navy Medical Department and volunteers from the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Sattahip Rescue Foundation, including a water rescue unit.

By the time authorities arrived, local residents had already brought the victim’s body ashore. He was found unconscious, with no detectable pulse. Rescue workers immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before coordinating an urgent transfer to hospital. Despite these efforts, the man later died from the severity of his injuries. He was identified as Mr Phakinai Aranyaphan, aged 37.

According to information provided by the victim’s girlfriend, weather conditions before the incident were poor, with strong winds and large waves affecting the area. The speedboat was moored using an old anchor, which began to rub against the hull before eventually failing to hold. As a result, the boat drifted further from shore. Mr Phakinai decided to swim out to inspect the vessel and secure it.

While he was in the water, powerful waves struck the speedboat, causing it to overturn. The boat then flipped onto him and sank, trapping him beneath it. Residents in the area noticed the incident and quickly launched a rescue attempt, taking a boat out to assist and eventually retrieving him from the water.

Khoasod reported that emergency responders confirmed that all possible life-saving measures were taken at the scene and during transport. Police have recorded the incident and will coordinate with relevant agencies as part of standard procedures following a fatal maritime incident.

Key Takeaways

• A 37-year-old man drowned after a speedboat capsized in rough seas in Sattahip, Chon Buri.

• Strong winds and heavy waves caused the boat’s anchor to fail, leading the victim to swim out to check it.

• Despite CPR and emergency treatment, the man later died from his injuries at hospital.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-01-25