BANGKOK – A total of 14 Royal Thai navy personnel were injured when an artillery shot from a navy vessel, HTMS Chonburi, struck the rear section of the HTMS Khirirat at the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri.
Rear Admiral Wirudom Muangjeen, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said in the incident at nearly noon yesterday, the naval artillery shot discharged from the front artillery of HTMS Chonburi hit the rear section of HTMS Khirirat, a frigate, which was anchored at Laem Thian Pier.
“A committee has been set up to investigate the cause and report to the navy chief in three days,” he said in a statement.
Firefighters responded to extinguish the fire aboard the vessel.
All victims were rushed to a hospital in Sattahip and many of the crew suffered from smoke inhalation.
HTMS Chonburi returned to base on Wednesday following a malfunction during a firing drill that left an unexpended round in the barrel.
The shot reportedly happened during the fixing. – March 15, 2024