Fishing Boat Sinks in Storm; Search Continues for Missing Crew
A fishing boat with about 20 crew members sank in heavy seas off southern Thailand on September 21; authorities are searching for missing crew while confirming survivors and fatalities.
Authorities are searching for missing crew members after the fishing vessel S. Kanjanawaree 888 sank in heavy seas and wind. The vessel's stern was found stuck inside the wreck but could not yet be recovered, as officials work to identify the missing and confirm survivors.
At 08:00 on September 22, 2025, Saem Sai checkpoint officials received notice from the local tambon administrator following a report from the fishing boat Hanuman Chai Waree 998 that the S. Kanjanawaree 888 had sunk mid-sea with approximately 20 crew members on board. Some crew have been found, while others are being actively searched for.
Initial reports indicate the vessel sank around 22:00 on the night of September 21, 2025, at coordinates in open waters requiring 4-5 hours of travel by boat from Saem Sai shore. Authorities are still determining which jurisdiction covers the incident site, as it lies between Saem Sai Bay and Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The Navy and other relevant agencies have been contacted to assist in the search and rescue operation.
Recent reports indicate that the fishing vessel Sinh Kanjanawaree 559 has arrived at the site where the S. Kanjanawaree 888 sank, along with four other boats deployed to search for missing crew members.
Initial information confirms that a body was found trapped inside the sunken vessel, though it could not be immediately recovered. Officials are continuing to verify and confirm the identities of missing persons, survivors, and confirmed fatalities. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, and updates will be provided as the situation develops.
