On Monday, a Royal Thai Navy ship built in the United States sank in the Gulf of Thailand, sparking an hours-long search with helicopters still trying to find at least 30 missing sailors.
Seventy-five crew members of the corvette HTMS Sukothai, which was originally built in Tacoma, Washington, have already been rescued. According to reports, the gulf experienced waves that were over 3 meters (10 feet) high. Despite warnings of bad weather and waves of up to 4 meters, the ship continued to sail in the conditions, according to The Associated Press.
One rescued sailor claimed to have floated in the water for three hours before being rescued, according to Thai media.
Rescuers claim that because of the high waves, lateral searches for sailors are all but impossible and must instead be conducted from the air using spotlights.
According to reports, the ship’s electrical system was destroyed when water from high waves and strong winds was sprayed onto the deck. According to the AP, when the ship’s power was cut off, sailors were unable to pump water out of it, which caused the ship to list violently before sinking.
The Sukothai, which was put into service in 1987, was 252 feet long and could carry 959 tons of water. After the rescue operation is over, Thai authorities intend to salvage what they can from the ship.
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