FISHERMEN in Satun were startled to see a group of people floating in the sea near Koh Adang desperately signalling for help but as they feared they could be Rohingyas they dared not help them but alerted the authorities who rushing to bring them ashore, Amarin TV said today (June 15).
The fishermen said around one to five people were floating near this island, which is within Tarutao National Marine Park.
As the fishermen had also seen a foreign vessel, believed to be Indonesian, having capsized near the spot where this group of survivors were floating, it was also speculated that some crew members may have jumped into the water in an attempt to swim towards passing fishing boats to ask for help.
However, going by the appearance of this group of people in distress they think they could be Rohingyas illegally heading for a regional destination, but this has not been officially confirmed with relevant authorities to launch an investigation after they have been rescued.
Pol. Col. Charoenpong Khantiloh, superintendent of Satun Immigration Police, said that Marine Police are urgently coordinating with relevant security and maritime agencies to locate the group and provide humanitarian assistance then carry out a thorough investigation of the nationality and origin of this group struggling in the sea.
CAPTION:
A fishing boat, right, spotted a group of people floating in the sea, left and Front Page. Photos – Amarin TV
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