A THAI NAVY WARSHIP "FRIENDLY FIRE" INCIDENT RELATED TO 13 INJUREDS

A THAI NAVY WARSHIP "FRIENDLY FIRE" INCIDENT RELATED TO 13 INJUREDS

A Thai Navy warship unintentionally fired at another parked frigate, injuring thirteen sailors. The incident occurred yesterday, March 14, at about midday at the Sattahip Naval facility in Chon Buri.

After the incident, dense black smoke was spotted coming from the stern of the HTMS Khirirat, according to a report by Nation Thailand. Firefighters arrived at the scene with four fire engines in tow, and it took them around thirty minutes to contain the fire.

A number of naval officers who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity, say the fire was the result of an artillery shell being accidentally discharged from HTMS Chon Buri, docked nearby.

It’s understood the vessel still had one artillery round still stuck in its guns when it returned from a firing drill the day before. That round then discharged as engineers were attempting to remove it. The Royal Thai Navy has yet to comment on the incident or confirm the cause.

Nation Thailand reports that of the 13 sailors injured, two have sustained severe injuries. They have been named as Chief Petty Officer First Class Surinya Nitboonkrong and Petty Officer First Class Jakarin Thongmanee.

All of the injured have been transferred to Sirikit Hospital.