Yesterday (18 December), the HTMS Sukhothai, a Ratanakosin-class corvette (a small warship for convoy escort duty), sank in the Gulf of Thailand at 11.30 pm local time. It was confirmed by the official Twitter account of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).
There are still 31 sailers in the water, even though 70 have been evacuated.
Strong waves caused Sukhothai to sink
As reported by USNI News, the navy corvette sank because of the strong waves.
Last night, Sukhothai was on patrol from the Bang Saphan district of Central Thailand. However, the strong waves caused water to enter the ship. This then led to affecting the electrical systems of the corvette. Thus, the loss of power and control. The ship began tilting when water gushed into the hull.
Rescue missions are undergoing on the scene
Royal Thai Navy has commanded the frigates Kraburi and Bhumibol Adulyadej, also landing platform dock Angthong to assist the rescue mission. Yet, the evacuation progress faced some challenges, as only Kraburi was close enough to reach the warship before it sank.
Additionally, two Thai Navy helicopters were dispatched to the place. The RTN restated the safety of its crew was of utmost importance.
The rescue mission continued overnight for the crew of 110 sailors.
31 sailors in the water are waiting to be rescued
As of today, 1 pm (Malaysian time), they’ve rescued 75 sailors. However, there are still 31 out of 106 troops in the water. Additionally, 11 personnel are being treated at Bang Saphan Hospital, Prachuap Province.
We hope everyone will be safe. May the rescue mission ends with finding all victims.
Sources: Mothership, USNI News, Twitter กองทัพเรือ ROYAL THAI NAVY