Survivor found after Thai warship sinks, but dozens remain missing

The wreckage of HTMS Sukhothai after it sank in rough waters.
(Image credit: Royal Thai Navy)

Rescuers have found a survivor among the wreckage of a Thai warship that sank Sunday in severe weather in the Gulf of Thailand, The Associated Press reported.

Identified by AP as Chananyu Kansriya, the survivor was found floating in the sea approximately 37 miles from where the warship sank, and was picked up by a passing cargo vessel. Officials had initially said two survivors had been found, but later adjusted this statement to say that only one person had been rescued alive.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

In the aftermath of the sinking, at least 33 of the ship's 105 crew members went missing, launching a massive naval search that involved search-and-rescue ships, maritime patrol aircraft, drones, and helicopters, the navy said.

Rescue teams have so far recovered six bodies.

While there is still some hope among officials that more survivors could be found, Vice Adm. Pichai Lorchusakul told local newspaper Thai Rath that anyone in the water would likely not survive more than a few days.

Those who initially escaped the ship said in interviews with Thai media that there had not been enough life jackets onboard the Sukhothai because there were additional guests onboard the ship in addition to the normal crew. This was later confirmed by naval officials.

Explore More
Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.