Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya:A cargo tugboat capsized in the Pa Sak River near Wat Phanan Cheong Worawihan, resulting in the rescue of the 62-year-old driver. The incident occurred in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, where the driver, Mr. Anukool, was left floating in the river before being safely rescued by locals and other boat crews.
According to Thai News Agency, police from the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station coordinated with the Phutthaisawan Foundation and the Marine Department to investigate the incident and provide assistance. Mr. Anukool was found with a broken right arm and was taken to the hospital after being brought to safety.
The convoy of five tugboats was towing three cargo ships towards Nakhon Luang District when the engine of the second tugboat malfunctioned, causing it to lose balance and capsize. Despite the incident, the cargo boat continued its journey with the help of four other tugboats.
Ms. Chatchasaran, a tourist who witnessed the event, reported hearing a sound like a boat hitting a pontoon and saw the tugboat sinking while people rushed to help the driver. Mr. Damrongsak Pakaporn, acting director of the Ayutthaya Regional Marine Department, stated that although navigation was restricted during high water discharge, normal operations had resumed, with officials ensuring safety at the three-way junction of the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers.
For the salvage operation, the Marine Department has decided to temporarily suspend cargo shipping in the area and will work with the shipping company to tow the sunken vessel closer to shore for recovery.