Phuket rescue teams scramble to locate sinking ship

PHUKET: The Royal Thai Navy launched a helicopter rescue mission after receiving a report that a cargo ship carrying wood from Myanmar to Malaysia was sinking about 100 nautical miles from Phuket’s coast.

“We received a report yesterday evening at 5:17pm. However, due to the distance, only the Navy had the resources to conduct the search area,” said Phuket Marine Police Chief Panya Chaichana.

As of 6am this morning, the Navy had yet to locate 89-foot Aung Chat Sar or any of its eight crew members, confirmed Capt Pongjak Uraiman of the Royal Thai Navy.

“We have dispatched water and air search teams, but have yet to locate the sailors,” said Capt Pongjak.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong