On March 14, 2024, at 11:40 a.m., the Sawang Rojana Dhammasathan Foundation Rescue Radio Center received an urgent call reporting a fire aboard the HTMS Kirirat at Laem Thian Pier, Sattahip Naval Base, Chonburi Province. Firefighters and disaster relief teams swiftly mobilized to the scene to control the situation.
Firefighters from Sattahip Naval Base arrived promptly, directing water onto the starboard side of the ship where smoke billowed out. Concerns arose about the safety of those aboard, including high-ranking officials. Emergency medical teams from Aphakorn Kiatwong Hospital, stationed at the naval base, stood ready to assist.
Meanwhile, naval officers were instructed to remain clear of the area, leaving the firefighting efforts to the Sattahip Naval Base Fire Department and the hospital rescue unit. While initial reports suggested injuries among the ship’s personnel, the exact number remained unconfirmed.
The HTMS Kirirat, serving the Royal Thai Navy for half a century, boasts a formidable arsenal, including naval cannons, machine guns, and torpedo platforms. Commissioned in 1974, the frigate has played a vital role in the nation’s maritime defense strategy.
As investigations into the cause of the fire and the extent of damages continue, the incident underscores the risks inherent in naval operations and the importance of swift emergency response protocols.
