After a stormy night, 31 sailors remain missing in the Gulf of Thailand. They were aboard the Thai Navy corvette HTMS Sukhothai. In a stormy sea and high waves, the warship capsized around 23:30 local time on Sunday while on patrol, Thai media report.
Dornier aircraft and Seahawk helicopters joined the search for the missing crew along with hurried ships, as reported by the “Bangkok Post”. Authorities believe most of them are wearing life jackets and waiting in the water for rescue.
engine failure
The ship had apparently reported a total engine and power failure before capsizing. The HTMS Sukhothai went out of control. The more she tilted to starboard, the more water poured into the ship.
Initial reports said there were 106 people on board. According to the naval command, 78 sailors had been recovered by 07:00, three with serious injuries. The number still missing was later corrected from 33 to 31.
The US-built vessel served with the Thai Navy for nearly 36 years. The corvette was equipped for air defense, naval combat and anti-submarine warfare. (kes)
++Update follows