On 3 Sep, a crew member named Sunthorn Khaosom fell off the fishing boat HTMS Chainawi about 10 nautical miles from Satun Province in Thailand.
He drifted into the sea for two days, facing strong waves and winds, but survived thanks to a bottle of sugarcane juice that floated by.
His “miraculous survival” was shared on Facebook by the Royal Thai Navy on Friday (6 Sep).
According to the post, Mr Sunthorn spotted a boat nearby after falling into the sea.
He tried to swim toward it, shouting for help, but no one could hear him.
Amidst the strong waves and growing fatigue, he took off all his clothes to make himself lighter and make it easier for his body to float in the water.
Meanwhile, the fishing boat owner, upon being informed of the incident, enlisted various units to search for Mr Sunthorn, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
By the night of 3 Sep, Mr Sunthorn felt hopeless but found strength in his belief in Luang Por Wat Ban Laem, a sacred Buddha statue. Despite removing all his clothing, he kept the Buddha amulet around his neck.
He vowed that, if he survived, he would get ordained as a monk for seven days.
On the morning of 4 Sept, he began feeling increasingly thirsty due to the heat in the middle of the sea.
Finally, on the evening of 4 Sep, Mr Sunthorn drifted to the island of Koh Bulon Maiphai.
Source: กองทัพเรือ Royal Thai Navy on Facebook
Walking around the island, he encountered officers from the Koh Bulon Maiphai National Park and asked for their help.
On 5 Sep, the Third Naval Area Command of the Royal Thai Navy was notified of the incident and ordered the Koh Lipe Naval Area Command to bring him back to shore.
Upon his return, his relatives received him at the pier, overjoyed that their family member was safely rescued.
Also read: Man in Taiwan falls asleep in the sea in a swimming ring, finds himself in the middle of the ocean
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Featured image adapted from Royal Thai Navy on Facebook
The authorities have investigated and closed the incident with no follow-ups required, MFA said.
He crossed the border daily in hopes of buying a house for his family.
On a few days, the thundery showers might extend into the night.
His church has urged parishioners to refrain from visiting him as he heals.
The kitten will be put up for adoption after its injuries are cured.
The toasts were barely a few centimetres thick.