Couple rescued after fishing boat capsizes in storm off Satun coast

A couple in a fishing boat that capsized in rough seas during a heavy storm was rescued by a passing tourist boat. The incident occurred off the coast of Satun, Thailand.

Heavy rain and strong winds caused multiple fishing boats to capsize in the sea near the La-ngu and Mueang districts in Satun. A tourist fishing boat managed to rescue a couple whose boat had overturned between Phetra National Park and Lidi Island, about 3 kilometres from the shore. The wife was found clinging to a wooden plank, while the husband was rescued by another fishing boat.

Udomsak Damhai, the captain of the tourist fishing boat, was taking three tourists from Hat Yai for a fishing trip when the weather turned severe. Realising the danger, he decided to seek shelter at Ao Noon in Pak Nam, La-ngu.

While waiting for the weather to improve, they noticed a fishing boat circling the area and discovered it was searching for missing people due to a boat capsize. Udomsak joined the search and found a middle-aged woman, exhausted and holding onto a plank.

After rescuing her, they learned that her husband was still missing. Shortly after, another boat located and rescued the husband.

Sabri Sendakan, the deputy head of the Tanyong Po Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, received a report from Salman Sendakan, the head of Moo 3 village, about another fishing boat that had capsized in the sea. The boat’s three crew members were initially missing but local villagers and marine police managed to rescue them after a half-hour search.

The severe weather not only affected the sea but also caused significant damage on land. Strong winds and heavy rain destroyed the roofs of several houses and brought down trees in various areas. In Laemson, La-ngu, seven houses were reported damaged, while in Khlong Khut, Mueang district, two houses were affected.

One of the most notable incidents was at the home of Wanida Ketkiew, where a large teak tree fell and destroyed half of her garage. Officials are currently assessing the damage to provide further assistance, reported KhaoSod.

Satun Governor Sakakra Kabilkarn has instructed district offices in high-risk areas to warn fishermen, especially those operating small boats, to stay ashore from yesterday until tomorrow and to closely monitor weather forecasts.