When the HTMS Sukhothai was struck by heavy winds while on patrol 20 miles from the Bangsaphan district dock, there were 106 sailors on board.

Strong winds caused a Thai naval warship to capsize and sink, resulting in the rescue of over 70 sailors and the disappearance of 31.

The HTMS Sukhothai corvette encountered bad weather while on patrol in the Gulf of Thailand, 20 miles from the Bangsaphan district dock in Prachuap Khiri Khan province.

The electrical system of the warship was disabled by the seawater that was blown upon it by the storms.

To drain the water, the Royal Thai Navy dispatched three frigates – HTMS Ang Thong, HTMS Bhumibol, and HTMS Krabi – and two helicopters equipped with mobile pumping machinery.

However, the high winds rendered the job unfeasibly. As additional water entered the vessel, it began to sink.

The navy reported in the early hours of Monday (UK time) that 75 sailors had been rescued and that ships and aircraft were hunting for 31 more who remained missing at sea.

The facility is currently treating eleven patients.

The navy uploaded photographs showed a group of orange-vest-clad individuals seated on a black inflatable raft with waves crashing around them in the dark.

Sukhothai was constructed in the United States and put into service in 1987.

The northern and central regions of Thailand are currently experiencing the lowest temperatures of the year.

Storms and flooding in the extreme south have prompted warnings for ships to remain ashore.