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.