Eight crew rescued after fishing boat sinks near Similan Islands
Five Thai and three Myanmar crew members were rescued after the fishing vessel Wor. Chok Mana 2 sank near Koh Kao in Phang Nga on 12 November.
All eight crew members were rescued after the fishing vessel Wor. Chok Mana 2 sank near Koh Kao, about 36 nautical miles from the entrance to the Thap Lamu channel in Phang Nga, on 12 November 2026.
The crew comprised five Thai nationals and three Myanmar nationals. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) was notified by the Phang Nga Port-in/Port-out Control Centre at 9.04pm.
The fishing vessel Narongsak Chainawi 99 assisted the crew and brought them ashore at the P. Duang Thaveephon 2 fishing pier at 1.35am on 13 November. No injuries were reported.
According to the rescued vessel’s captain, the boat sank after waves washed over its bow while it was seeking shelter from rough weather. After interviews with the crew, all eight departed for Phuket.
Thai-MECC 3 said it had coordinated with the Phang Nga Regional Marine Office to prohibit further use of the sunken vessel and arrange its salvage to prevent an obstruction to navigation. Fishing vessels and local tourist boat operators were warned to exercise caution when passing the site. The owner was instructed to file an official report with Thai Mueang Police.
