Two more bodies, suspected to be those of missing HTMS Sukhothai crew, were recovered from the sea in southern Bang Saphan district of Prachuap Khiri province last night (Saturday), bringing the total number of bodies recovered to eight in the past two days.

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) said today (Sunday) that there isevidence to suggest that seven of the eight bodies were missing crew, but all of them will have to go through the identification process, which will take 3-4 days, before their families can be formally notified.

The first body was recovered at about 8.20pm last night, by the Narathiwat naval ship, and the second about ten minutes later by another naval vessel, Chon Buri. Both bodies were found drifting at sea on the southern fringe of Bang Saphan district, bordering Pathio district of Chumphon.

The RTN said that nine bodies are now being identified.

If they are confirmed to be missing crew, that would leave fourteen crew members unaccounted for. Air, sea and land searches continue for the seventh day today, with many private organisations and volunteer groups joining the effort.

HTMS Sukhothai, a 35-year corvette class ship, built in the United States, had a total compliment of 105 crew on board, including some marines, before it foundered in rough seas offBang Saphan district on the night of December 18th.