One dead, one missing after tug capsizes in Thailand’s Chao Phraya River

Thai media reports that one person was killed while another has gone missing after a tug capsized in the Chao Phraya River in the country’s Ayutthaya province on Wednesday, September 29.

An eyewitness said the unnamed tug was towing barges when it seemed to sail out of control after being overcome by strong currents caused by recent heavy rains.

Authorities said only two people were on board the tug when it capsized at 11:15 local time on Wednesday. These have been identified as the 60-year-old master and his 51-year-old wife.

On Saturday, October 2, rescuers found the tug master’s lifeless body near a bridge in Bangkok, nearly 80 kilometres from where his vessel had capsized. The victim’s identity was later confirmed by relatives.

Rescuers were alerted to the presence of the master’s body near the Rama VIII bridge after it was reported by eyewitnesses early in the morning of Saturday.

No trace of the master’s wife has yet been found.