Fishing boat sinks off Chon Buri, Thailand; search underway for missing crew

A fishing boat named S. Kanchanawari 888 sank in the Samae San deep water channel off the coast of Chon Buri, Thailand, following severe weather conditions including strong winds and high waves. The vessel was carrying a crew consisting of two Thai nationals and 20 Myanmar nationals.

Rescue operations have resulted in the survival of 15 to 16 crew members, though several casualties and missing persons have been reported. Reports indicate the boat's captain is dead, and between four and five Myanmar nationals remain missing. One crew member, Yi Sin, was rescued while drifting in the sea.

The Royal Thai Navy has deployed divers, the patrol boat Tor 112, and an anti-submarine helicopter to assist in search efforts. Marine divers are preparing to inspect the wreckage, though operations are dependent on sea conditions, currents, and visibility. Authorities are using the SARMap system to analyze wind and current data to narrow the search area for the missing crew members.