A body was found drifting at sea, near Sak Island of Chumphon province, by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) this morning (Tuesday). A Fisheries Department boat has been sent to recover the remains, according to Vice Admiral Pichai Lorchusakul, commander of First Naval Area Command.

He said that it is very likely that the body is that of one of HTMS Sukhothai’s missing crew, because of the mechanic’s jumpsuit he was wearing, commonly worn by mechanics and electricians on Royal Thai Navy ships.

The discovery of the remains brings the number of crew still unaccounted for to nine.

The search for missing crew continues on the ninth day since the corvette-class HTMS Sukhothai foundered in the seas off Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Four naval ships, namely Naresuan, Kraburi, Taksin and Narathiwat, planes, helicopters and UAVs are engaged in the sea and air search operation today. Volunteer groups and vessels from other agencies are also helping to search coastal areas and islands of Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces.

Vice Admiral Pichai said that navy divers are expected to survey the sunken ship more easily today, due the improved weather and sea conditions.

He also said that the families of eight crew, whose remains have been positively identified, have been advised that they can reclaim their bodies for funeral rites.