PATTAYA, Thailand – A tense early-morning search unfolded off Pattaya after a 14-foot aluminium boat encountered trouble near Koh Rin, drifted towards Koh Larn and lost contact with authorities. The Royal Thai Navy joined forces with maritime rescue teams and local fishing boats in an urgent operation to locate those aboard before they were found safe.
The First Naval Area Command received an emergency report at 3.30am on November 1 from the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 1 (Thai-MECC Region 1). The boat was reported drifting towards Koh Larn before contact with the two people on board was lost.
Vice Admiral Wasant Traichit, commander of the First Naval Area Command, ordered patrol boat Tor 262 to begin search operations at 3.35am. The Navy coordinated with Thai-MECC Region 1, the Pattaya Marine Disaster Prevention Unit and nearby fishing boats, whose crews were asked to help locate the missing boaters and report any sightings.
At 6.15am, authorities confirmed that the Pattaya Marine Disaster Prevention Unit had located and rescued both people safely. They were brought ashore at Pattaya Pier. The successful operation demonstrated the importance of coordination between naval forces, maritime authorities, local rescue teams and fishing crews in responding to emergencies at sea.
