A 69-year-old fisherman from Koh Panyi was located alive on June 25, 2025, after his boat capsized in Phang Nga Bay the previous day. Strong waves had swept him more than nine nautical miles from the site of the incident, prompting a multi-agency search effort.
On the afternoon of June 24, the Panyi Island Rescue Center received a report of a capsized local fishing boat near Koh Kai within the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The vessel belonged to a resident of Koh Panyi, identified as Ma Nab, also known locally as Bang Orn. While the submerged boat was discovered, the fisherman was initially unaccounted for.
Authorities from the Panyi Island Subdistrict Administrative Organization initiated a coordinated response, setting up a temporary operations center. Search operations involved teams from Mueang Phang Nga District, Ao Phang Nga National Park, local fishing associations, and community leaders. The first phase of the search continued until nightfall and was resumed early the next morning.
According to an update from Phang Nga District Chief Phiraphat Ngerncharoen, Ma Nab was located on the morning of June 25 on the beach at Koh Boi, situated near Koh Yao Noi. He had drifted more than nine nautical miles from the original location where the boat sank.
The fisherman recounted that he had been casting nets when sudden rainfall and high waves overturned his vessel. He managed to cling to a life jacket, which kept him afloat until he washed ashore on Koh Boi in the evening. Despite noticing nearby boats past midnight, he was unable to make contact. At around 3 a.m., local fishermen reported hearing someone calling for help, prompting the search team to concentrate efforts in that area the following morning.
Ma Nab was transported back to his home on Koh Panyi, where he was found to be in stable condition.
Officials involved in the search included members of the Mueang Phang Nga District team, Ao Phang Nga National Park officers, local administrative bodies, and community volunteers. District Chief Ngerncharoen personally visited the fisherman upon his return to offer support.
