A joint operation to salvage HTMS Sukhothai, which tragically sank approximately 35 kilometres off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan on December 18, 2022, will kick off this Thursday, as announced by the Thai and US navies. The vessel was victim to a fierce storm that led to its sinking.
The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) spokesperson, Rear Admiral Veerudom Muangjin, revealed yesterday, February 17, that the operation will involve 40 Thai naval officers stationed on HTMS Rattnakosin, alongside two mine-sweeping boats and a medium-seagoing watercraft. The US contribution will consist of the Ocean Valor and 17 marines from Hawaii’s Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit.
The operation is part of the 2024 Cobra Gold exercise, described as a light salvage. The primary objective, according to R.Adm. Veerudom, is to verify the exact cause of the tragic capsize. This…
