One of the 23 missing crew of the ill-fated HTMS Sukhothai was found dead this evening (Friday) and was recovered from the sea by HTMS Bang Rachan near the location of the sunken vessel.

Admiral Pokkrong Monthatphalin, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said Friday night that the body was found drifting at sea at about 4.15pm.

The remains were then taken back to Bang Saphan port. Upon arrival, they were placed in an ambulance and taken to the district’s Sawangratsattha Dhammasathan Foundation for identification.

The discovery of the body has brought the death toll from the sinking of the ship to seven, with the remaining 22 crew still unaccounted for.