A fisherman from Thailand has miraculously survived four days adrift in the middle of the sea near Satun Province, thanks to a bottle of sugarcane juice that floated by when he had nearly lost hope.
According to a Facebook post by The Royal Thai Navy, Mr Sunthorn Khaosom, a 56-year-old crew member of the Chai Navy fishing boat, fell into the sea about 10 nautical miles from shore in the morning on 3 Sept.
The boat’s owner quickly alerted local authorities, but despite their search efforts, no trace of him could be found.
It was not until 5 Sept that the Third Naval Area received a report from officials of the Ko Bulon Maiphai National Park, Satun Province who were on duty.
The Third Naval Area Command ordered the Koh Lipe Navy’s cadets to go and bring him back to shore at the Langu boat station. Mr. Sunthorn’s relatives had come to wait to receive him with joy.
Praying for survival
Mr Sunthorn recounted that when he fell into the water, he saw a boat sailing not far away. He tried to swim towards the boat and shouted but no one heard him.
Thus, he tried to float to survive amidst the strong waves. But as time passed, his tiredness increased.
So I took off all my clothes to reduce my weight, make myself lighter, and have the strength to float. I would be less tired and be able to float and survive amidst the strong waves.”
As time passed until the night of the 3rd day, he felt very discouraged and hopeless.
In my mind, I thought of Luang Por Wat Ban Laem, the sacred object that I respected and had only hung around my neck. I made a vow that if I survived, I would ordain for 7 days.”
Miraculous Sugarcane Juice
The night of the 3rd day passed, and on the morning of the 4th, his energy began to run out. At the same time, thirst has increased due to the scorching sun in the middle of the sea.
However, like a miracle, a bottle of sugarcane juice floated by so he grabbed and drank to quench his hunger and thirst.
This has helped him continue to survive until the evening of the 4th day. When the waves and wind were scattered, he floated up to the bamboo island.
He walked to the area on the island and met an official of Koh Bulon Mai Phai National Park who was on duty on this island and asked for help.
“Don’t panic”
The 56-year-old gave some words of caution to those who fell off the boat via local news media, Khaosod’s report.
First of all, don’t panic, be mindful, don’t swim, save your energy, take off all your clothes to make yourself lighter, and always have hope that you will survive. Think about what you hold onto, believe that you will survive, and that’s how you survived.”
After this, he will stay and ordain at Wat Bang Ya Phraek in Samut Sakhon Province for 9 days and rest for a while before returning to work.
Read more:
