CHUMPHON — Three crew members from a fishing vessel died from hydrogen sulfide poisoning after a fish storage tank collapsed and released toxic gas below deck, while the boat was anchored in Chumphon provincial waters late Saturday, June 28.
A fourth crew member, aged 28, survived but remains in critical condition under close medical supervision.
Amrit Im-em, 46, a surviving crew member from the same purse seine fishing boat from Prachuap Khiri Khan province, recounted the tragic incident. On June 26, the crew had caught over 300 kilograms of mackerel and other fish from waters along the Chumphon border. The catch was stored in seven tanks lowered into the fish hold beneath the vessel’s deck.
Two days later, on June 28, as the boat captain brought the vessel to dock and crew members were nearly finished transferring the fish, one of the storage tanks toppled over, spilling fish across the floor of the lower deck compartment. Within less than two minutes, the first crew member to go below suffered convulsions and collapsed. Three others who went down to help also succumbed to the toxic fumes in the fish storage area.
The fifth crew member used an air pump and mask to rescue all four victims, transporting them to Pak Nam Chumphon Hospital, located less than 300 meters from the pier. However, medical staff were unable to save three of the fishermen.
Following news of the tragedy, relatives of the three deceased traveled to collect the bodies for religious ceremonies. All victims were residents of Prachuap Khiri Khan province: Mr. Noi, 45; Mr. Wirayuth, 37; and Mr. Pramote, 33.
The incident highlights the dangers of hydrogen sulfide gas accumulation from decomposing fish in poorly ventilated ship storage areas, a known occupational hazard in the fishing industry.
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