Three fishermen were rescued by the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai MECC 3) after being stranded at sea for two days due to engine failure. The rescue operation took place yesterday, August 3.
A distress call received at approximately midday through the department’s 1465 hotline prompted Thai MECC 3 to take action. Pratakorn, who made the call, explained that a small yellow fishing boat with three men on board had experienced engine trouble. The vessel was drifting west of Kata without communication with the men’s families for two days.
Thai MECC 3 dispatched patrol boat T.272 to search for the stranded fishermen. It was confirmed that the boat had set out from Kata but was pushed further out to sea by strong winds after the engine failed.
T.272 located the fishing boat at around 3.45pm, approximately 21 nautical miles west of Kata. The fishermen, found in good health, were taken aboard the rescue vessel, and their boat was safely towed back to Chalong Bay.
Officials reported calm sea conditions with no strong waves, which aided in the safe recovery of the fishermen. Thai MECC 3 reiterated its dedication to protecting maritime interests and ensuring the safety of people at sea. The public is encouraged to utilise the 1465 maritime emergency hotline, available 24 hours, for any maritime incidents, natural disasters, or emergencies, reported The Phuket News.
In similar news, a tense rescue operation unfolded off Bang Saen beach in Chon Buri after a fisherman became stranded on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by rising tides and crashing waves—determined not to abandon his fishing gear.
The man, estimated to be around 50 years old, was seen stuck approximately 150 metres from shore around 6.30pm on May 26. Concerned locals quickly notified police and rescue teams as rough seas intensified the danger.
Upon arrival, emergency responders were surprised to find the man still gripping his fishing rod, refusing to leave the area he had accessed during low tide despite the life-threatening conditions.
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