BANGKOK (The Nation/Asia News Network): The Marine Department has warned that a fishing trawler that sank in the Gulf of Thailand on Saturday (Jan 7) night presents a navigation hazard to other boats in the area.
The Por Thepranee 1 sank 18.23 nautical miles (33.76km) off the coast of Pak Phanang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, in stormy weather at around 8.30pm. All five crew onboard were rescued and brought safely ashore by marine police.
The trawler was overwhelmed by strong winds and high waves, prompting the Marine Dept to warn other boats to follow the latest weather updates, proceed with extra caution in the stormy weather, and consider staying ashore until conditions improve.
The department also ordered its Nakhon Si Thammarat office to salvage the wreckage as soon as possible as it present as it presents a navigation hazard to other vessels. The office is investigating the cause of the sinking.
On Sunday, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast that the strong northeast monsoon over the Gulf and the South will weaken from Monday to Saturday, while a low-pressure cell over the lower South China Sea will approach mainland South-East Asia. These conditions will cause isolated heavy rain in the South, while waves in the Gulf will rise to 2-3m and higher in thundershowers.
