Third Crew Member From Sunken Fishing Boat Found 80km Away
A third crew member from the fishing boat Chok Kannya, which sank on July 10 near Koh Kood, was found dead 80 kilometers away in Trat Province; two crew members remain missing from the disaster that claimed five lives.
On July 20, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., volunteers from the Sawaang Bun Trat Foundation received word from fishermen of a body floating in the sea near Ban Yai Mom, Laem Ngob Subdistrict, Laem Ngob District, Trat Province. Rescue workers were immediately dispatched and discovered the remains of a male victim floating approximately 2 nautical miles from the Chumphon Bridge. The body was severely decomposed with only the skull remaining, and the victim was wearing only green underwear. Rescuers recovered the remains at the Laem Ngob Bridge area for identification. The boat owner, Amnaj Sudsongwan, identified the victim as Wanthong Nuan, 44, an engine mechanic aboard the Chok Kannya.
The Chok Kannya disaster occurred on July 10 when the fishing vessel sank approximately 3 nautical miles from Koh Kood in heavy seas at a depth exceeding 25 meters. Five crew members, including the captain, were lost. On July 17, two bodies were found on Koh Kood's beach: Tit Yim, 47, a Cambodian crew member, and Taddatetep Puttakhet, 31, the boat's captain. Today's discovery of Wanthong is the third victim, found in the Chong Chang area between Koh Chang and Laem Ngob, more than 80 kilometers from the sinking site. Two crew members, Chueuan and Lan Tum, remain missing.
Trat Fishery Association Chairman Narong Chaisiri stated that with three confirmed deaths and two still missing, all five are presumed dead. The boat had departed for fishing and refueling when severe weather struck, causing it to sink. The association and boat owner will coordinate with relevant agencies to provide assistance and compensation. Each family will receive approximately 700,000–800,000 baht in insurance benefits, provided they can prove legitimate blood relation to the deceased. Two other missing crew members were initially reported found in Cambodian waters but were confirmed not to be them. If declared missing, legal proceedings must be initiated to confirm death before compensation can be processed. The sunken vessel will be salvaged to preserve evidence for investigation. Trat fishermen are advised to monitor weather forecasts before heading to sea.
