AsiaOperations

Storm smashes ship to bits off Phuket

Bangkok: A Cambodian flagged general cargo ship is presumed a total loss today as it smashed into rocks on the Thai coast amid stormy conditions. Many containers are also strewn in the Thai waters.

The 793 dwt Sinaran Andaman ran aground on Koi Hei island 5 km off Phuket and was one of three incidents in the area that stretched local authorities’ rescue capabilities today. A fishing vessel and a barge were also smashed by the storm. The crew fired flares in the air as the ship started taking on water and the engines failed.

Royal Thai Navy helicopters plucked three crew from the deck of the ship, owned by Malaysian company Andaman Unik, while seven others were rescued by a Marine Police vessel.

Authorities have banned all vessels of less than 24 m in length from venturing to sea until the storm passes.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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