Search for 4 crew after boat sinks off Pattani

The president of Pak Phanang Fishery Association in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pratheung Thipyamas, said the navy sent help yesterday afternoon to search for survivors from the Bt4-million “Kor Phu-ngern” fishing boat, after it was hit by 4-metre-high waves 20km off Koh Losin (near Pattani and Narathiwat).

Captain Reungsak Nupripta was rescued by a passing boat, but four crewmembers – including two migrant workers – were missing. 

“The strong wind and waves might weaken the four men, who were probably trying to keep afloat out there, but we still hope for a miracle,” Pratheung said.

Rainfall in Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Lan Saka district was measured at 166 millimetres and run-off had swamped the suburb around Muang district’s municipal area. Low-lying spots suffered flooding and officials installed 20 pumps to drain water into the sea, provincial disaster mitigation head Jessada Wattananurak said. He said all districts would be declared disaster zones today as they were all affected. The situation had improved after rain stopped for several hours, but efforts to drain areas were hampered by water hyacinth and garbage. 

Provincial governor Peearsak Hinmuangkao inspected the spots and urged officials to clear waterways to prepare for more flooding. 

The South – particularly Surat Thani, Phatthalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun – faces stormy weather and high waves until Wednesday. The weather bureau said yesterday another low pressure ridge would hover over upper Thailand until Wednesday, bringing rain to the North and Northeast and morning temperature likely to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius. The northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf and the South would also intensify, officials said.

The forecast prompted Phuket officials to urge small vessels to stay ashore and large vessels to sail with caution during this period. Local officials were advised to follow weather news and look out for possible flooding, landslides in risky areas and prepare manpower and tools for possible emergencies. 

Krabi province also monitored its eight districts at risk of flooding or landslides, including Khao Phanom, where six local families were evacuated from floods. 

In Songkhla, authorities said they will monitor the landslide-prone tambon Khao Phra in Rattaphum district, tambon Koh Yai in Krasaesin district, plus Saba Yoi district – until November 15. They also warned all fishing boats to stay ashore. In Trang, Marine Office director Suthee Suksong dispatched officials to inform boat operators and tourists on piers about high waves and advised small vessels to stay ashore.

Larger tour boats continued to leave Pak Meng Pier, but there were only about 270 tour boats on Saturday and 200 tour boats yesterday, he said. Officials also instructed boat operators to ensure tourists’ safety and return to port if they saw stormy weather ahead.

In Yala, Army Region 4 chief Maj-General Prakan Chalayut ordered soldiers to prepare tools, vehicles and relief bags to assist flood-hit residents. Those needing help could call the emergency hotline 1341 around the clock.