Three crew members killed when boat capsizes off southern Thailand
Three crew members were killed when their boat capsized in rough seas off southern Thailand.
Nusorn Jenphrai, 71, Patiwat Bunyassathian, 65, and Areeya Kalong, 27, were sailing back home when heavy rain and strong winds battered their boat off Koh Mai Phai island in Phang Nga province.
A rogue wave was said to have smashed into the vessel before it overturned, hurling the trio overboard on the evening of June 26.
More than 15 boats, along with disaster response teams, marine officials, and volunteers, searched the choppy seas through the night when the boat failed to dock as scheduled.
The search continued until the next morning, when the bodies of all three were found drifting near where the boat capsized.
Authorities said the deceased were kayak staff who provided services to tourists around Koh Thalu island.
The Phang Nga Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office said the search has been concluded, and the incident was ruled as a maritime accident.
Officials said relevant agencies will improve maritime safety measures in the Phang Nga Bay tourist area following the tragedy.
Thailand's waters are most dangerous during the country's rainy monsoon season, which usually runs from May through October, bringing storms and flooding.
Red flags are placed in beaches to warn of dangerous sea conditions.
