Thai navy searches for five missing Myanmar crew members after fishing boat sinks

Chonburi — On September 23, 2026, the Royal Thai Navy's First Area Maritime Security Command initiated a special operations search for five Myanmar crew members reported missing following the sinking of the fishing boat S. Kanchanawari 888. The mission was prompted by reports suggesting some of the missing crew might still be trapped within the vessel wreckage.

The First Naval Area's elite special operations team, comprising Navy SEAL divers along with diving groups from the Sawang Rojanatham Foundation in Sattahip and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation in Pattaya, departed from Laem Thian pier at Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri onboard patrol boat Tor 112. The team's journey to the incident site is anticipated to span three hours.

Upon arrival, officials will evaluate weather patterns, sea currents, underwater visibility, and the safety of divers before deciding on the deployment of diving teams to investigate the sunken ship. The divers' primary task will be to search the wreck for the missing crew and recover any bodies found within. The five Myanmar crew members currently unaccounted for are Soe Lat, 38; San Htike, 47; Naing Oo, 45; Htun Lwin, 22; and Khin Maung Aye, 47.

Authorities have not yet determined whether any of the missing men are inside the vessel. The outcome of the diving operation will be awaited before any further actions. Following the search and inspection of the wreck, plans will be made to salvage the S. Kanchanawari 888 and transport it back to shore. The salvaged vessel will subsequently be examined to ascertain the cause of the sinking before any additional measures are taken.