Maritime mishap: Firefighters spraying water at the ‘HTMS Khirirat’ in an attempt to control the blaze. — The Nation/ANN
A Royal Thai Navy warship accidentally fired an artillery shell at a frigate docked in Chonburi, wounding 13 sailors.
Thick black smoke was seen pouring from the stern of HTMS Khirirat of the First Frigate Fleet as it docked at the Sattahip Naval base.
Firefighters backed by four fire engines took about 30 minutes to control the blaze.
The fire on Thursday was caused by an explosion triggered by an artillery shell accidentally discharged from HTMS Chonburi, which was docked nearby, said naval officers speaking on condition of anonymity.
The blast reportedly left two officers with severe injuries.
Sources said HTMS Chonburi returned from a firing drill on with one artillery round stuck in its guns. The round reportedly discharged as Navy engineers attempted to remove it.
The Navy has yet to make a statement on the cause of the explosion and fire aboard HTMS Khirirat. — The Nation/ANN
