Progress update on the fishing boat "S. Kanjanawari 888" sinking offshore near Samae San Channel, Sattahip District, Chonburi Province. It is believed the boat encountered a "lomhuaifun," a type of wind that forms rapidly, is intense, and usually subsides after the rain stops. The exact cause remains under investigation by relevant agencies.
On 22 Sep 2026 GMT+7, reporters updated on the sinking of the fishing boat "S. Kanjanawari 888." One more crew member was found alive, raising survivors to 16 out of 22 total. One death confirmed; five remain missing, presumed trapped inside the vessel. Search efforts continue, and tomorrow authorities plan to send divers to examine the wreck to recover bodies and locate the missing.
Mr. Prasert Pitakkorn, mayor of Samae San Subdistrict and president of the Samae San Fishing Association, explained that before the sinking, a sudden severe storm and wind occurred, known locally among fishermen as "lomhuaifun," characterized by rapid onset, intensity, and calming after the rain.
Mr. Prasert added that at the time of the incident, heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning caused many fishing boats to switch off their radios out of safety concerns about lightning strikes, resulting in disrupted communications during that period.
After the weather eased, the boats began checking on each other’s safety. Many small boats were accounted for, but contact could not be made with the "S. Kanjanawari 888." Initially, the sinking was unknown until early morning when it was confirmed the vessel had gone down.
Mr. Prasert further stated that around 12 boats had gone fishing together, having departed the shore the evening before the incident, all facing the same strong wind conditions.
The first group of 15 survivors brought ashore at Samae San Channel included some with minor injuries, such as leg and head wounds affecting about four to five individuals. They were taken to hospital with mild conditions and were able to walk off the boats unassisted.
Later, another survivor was found—Mr. Yee Sin—rescued safely from the sea by a passing boat near the area, bringing the total survivors to 16.
Mr. Jakree Koomkrongsap, 50, a close friend of the boat owner and captain, said that after losing contact with the vessel, families and involved parties coordinated with various agencies, including marine police and the First Naval Area Command, for assistance.
At about 05:00 GMT+7, confirmation came from the boat "Singh Kanjanawari 559," which had reached the site, that the "S. Kanjanawari 888" had sunk. Some crew were found clinging to the wreck, prompting immediate rescue efforts.
Regarding the sinking cause, Mr. Jakree shared from fishing experience that a violent storm resembling a whirlwind, locally called "lomwongchang," struck the vessel swiftly, leaving crew little time to respond. However, the true cause requires official investigation and cannot be concluded from eyewitness accounts alone.
Concerning those still missing, sources say some may be trapped inside the wreck, but exact numbers and identities are unconfirmed pending inspection inside the sunken boat.
Tomorrow, related agencies plan to dispatch a vessel with divers, rescue personnel, and support teams back to the sinking site to dive inside the wreck, recover bodies, and search for the missing.
Meanwhile, surface and surrounding area search operations continue amid anxious waiting by families and involved parties at Samae San Channel.