Battery blast injures crewman off Phuket’s Cape Panwa
A fishing trip turned into a terrifying ordeal yesterday evening when a battery exploded on board a trawler off the coast of Cape Panwa, leaving one crew member injured and sparking a coordinated rescue mission.
The incident occurred aboard the vessel L. Thanakorn, which was approximately 7.3 nautical miles south of Cape Panwa at the time. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai MECC 3) received the distress call at around 5.45pm yesterday, April 3.
According to reports, the explosion left a male crew member with serious injuries to his arms and torso. Despite the trauma, the victim remained conscious and responsive, quickly relaying his condition to rescuers.
His fellow crew members acted swiftly, requesting immediate medical support and preparing the vessel to return to shore.
Thai MECC 3 immediately instructed the L. Thanakorn to return to the Third Area Command pier at Cape Panwa while also mobilising port security and coordinating with local emergency services. Rescue workers were stationed at the pier ahead of the boat’s arrival, ensuring a rapid medical response.
At approximately 7.15pm, the injured seaman arrived at the dock, where first responders administered emergency aid on the spot before rushing him to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further treatment. His current condition has not yet been disclosed, but officials confirmed he was conscious during the transfer.
Officials have not yet released a statement regarding the cause of the explosion. It remains unclear what type of battery malfunctioned or what safety measures were in place aboard the vessel at the time.
Investigations are expected to follow, with Thai MECC 3 likely to probe whether any safety protocols were breached and if similar vessels may be at risk of the same issue, reported The Phuket News.
In similar news, a dream holiday turned into a nightmare when a speedboat exploded near Koh Mai Thon off Phuket on April 1, injuring six people.
The Thana Marine 555, carrying 33 tourists, caught fire shortly after developing engine trouble. Victims, including foreign tourists and crew, were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Latest Thailand News
