Cargo Boat Sinks in Storm Between Phuket and Koh Yao Yai, Crew Rescued

A cargo vessel traveling from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai sank during rough weather in Phang Nga Bay on June 10, but all four people on board were safely rescued.

The incident was first reported on social media by Paklok municipal council member Apisit Boonteng and was later confirmed by police.

According to official reports, the cargo boat Supaporn 5 departed from Bang Rong Pier in Paklok on the afternoon of June 10. The vessel was transporting goods to Koh Yao Yai but never reached its destination.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the boat reportedly went down in waters between Koh Naka and Koh Yao after encountering severe weather conditions.

The captain and three crew members were rescued by nearby tourist boats that responded after the vessel sank. Police stated that all four individuals were brought to safety and did not suffer serious injuries.

Authorities and the vessel’s owner have since begun efforts to recover and transport the sunken boat back to Phuket.

Although the Phuket Meteorological Center had not issued a formal storm warning for Phuket or neighboring provinces at the time of the incident, the Thai Meteorological Department had warned of challenging sea conditions across the Andaman region between June 10 and 14.

According to the weather advisory, waves in the waters off Phang Nga and areas further north were expected to reach around two meters, with even higher seas possible in storm zones. In waters off Phuket and along the southern Andaman coast, wave heights were forecast at one to two meters, with conditions becoming significantly rougher during thunderstorms.

Maritime authorities continue to advise vessel operators to exercise caution and closely monitor weather conditions while navigating during the current monsoon period.