18-2-2024 (BANGKOK) The Thai and US navies are set to launch a joint operation on Thursday to salvage the sunken vessel HTMS Sukhothai, which went down approximately 35 kilometers off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, after being caught in a storm.
According to Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), the Thai navy will deploy 40 officers on board the HTMS Rattnakosin, along with two mine-sweeper boats and one medium-seagoing watercraft. The US side will contribute its vessel, the Ocean Valor, and 17 marines from the Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit based in Hawaii.
Rear Admiral Veerudom described the operation as a light salvage exercise as part of the 2024 Cobra Gold joint military exercise. The primary objective of the deployment is to determine the exact cause of the ship’s capsizing, following the RTN’s investigation into the incident.
Out of the 105 crew members on board, 76 were rescued, 24 lost their lives, and five individuals remain missing. The navy hopes that during the salvage operation, they will be able to locate the bodies of the five missing crew members, which may still be trapped within the wreckage.
The US Navy team will also examine the wreckage to ensure that no potentially hazardous items or chemicals remain on the ocean floor.
“The RTN has full confidence in the US Navy’s extensive experience and specialized equipment, and we hope that this upcoming operation will be successful,” Rear Admiral Veerudom stated.
Prior to the operation, the Ocean Valor will sail to the salvage site tomorrow. During the operation, the designated area and surrounding waters will be declared off-limits for marine navigation to ensure safety.
Given the top priority of ensuring the safety of both Thai and US teams involved, stringent security measures will be implemented. This includes conducting a comprehensive pre-survey of the vessel and documenting the entire salvage process on film.
Rear Admiral Veerudom added, “This joint operation symbolizes the longstanding friendship between the Royal Thai Navy and the US Navy.”
