TRAT, Thailand – Three fishermen dead, two missing after the fishing boat Chok Kanya sank in a storm off Koh Kood. The owner fears nobody survived.
The Chok Kanya was recovered on August 4, 2026, off Koh Kood and towed from Kim Huay pier to Ban Khlong Makham in Khlong Yai district. It docked at 4.15 pm.
Three bodies found on board
On board were one Thai captain and four Cambodian fishermen. Three corpses were found and handed over to relatives. Two crew members remain missing.
At Ban Khlong Makham pier, villagers and the son of a dead Cambodian fisherman waited for the boat’s return.
Owner counts huge losses
Boat owner Amnat said his financial damage runs into the millions. Workers may get compensation through social security, he added.
Before departure there were no reports of heavy seas. After two or three days without contact, the family learned the boat had sunk off Laem Thian point on Koh Kood.
said Amnat, boat owner.
Contact lost during fishing trip
According to reports, contact with the Chok Kanya broke off during a fishing operation. The loss of contact is dated June 28, 2026, though the owner said the vessel sailed on July 10.
Search teams from the maritime safety office in Trat, the provincial fisheries association and rescue workers initially only found kitchen utensils floating in the water.
Neighbouring boats found nets
Nearby fishing boats also discovered the nets of the Chok Kanya. The five crew initially stayed missing. Two bodies were later found at sea off Koh Kood, and a few days later the captain too.
Athit, head of the Khlong Yai water rescue unit, said another person was spotted drifting off Koh Chang. But heavy rain stopped the search and the corpse drifted away.
Rescue warns against carelessness
The water rescue team assisted state agencies after the distress call and helped recover the boat. Athit also thinks it likely the two missing men are dead.
After examining the recovered boat, rescuers believe it was hit from behind by high waves. At the same time, a loose rope may have caught in the propeller, making the ship rock violently, lose balance and sink.
Rescuers call on fishermen to take the dangers at sea seriously and to always wear life jackets.
said Athit, head of Khlong Yai water rescue.