A foreign cargo ship developed a leak while sailing in the middle of the Andaman Sea. Southern Naval Command Region 3 and the Pearl Rate patrol boat rushed to rescue 16 crew members and brought them safely ashore.
At 16:10 on 7 Feb 2026 GMT+7, the Pearl Rate radio center received coordination from the captain of a foreign cargo ship sailing near Koh Kaew Noi, Rawai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, reporting a hull leak causing water ingress, threatening to sink the vessel with 16 crew on board.
They then coordinated with the Director of Southern Naval Command Region 3 and the Commander of the Third Naval Area to dispatch patrol boats T.272 and T.4012, along with the Pearl Rate patrol boat and the Phuket Tourist Assistance Center (Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization) to inspect and provide assistance.
Initially, the Pearl Andaman 5 boat transported all 16 crew members back to shore at Chalong Pier, Chalong Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, with all individuals unharmed and safe.
Meanwhile, water continued to flood the cargo ship involved, causing it to list to one side. However, the condition of the cargo ship is still being inspected to determine the next steps according to proper procedures.