It began like any other morning at the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand's Chon Buri province, but it quickly became a scene of chaos and concern.
A misfire from the deck gun of the HTMS Chonburi, a Royal Thai Navy patrol ship, resulted in injuries to 14 crew members aboard a nearby frigate, HTMS Khirirat, during artillery repair operations.
According to Business Insider, in a failed attempt to clear jammed rounds from its cannon, the HTMS Chonburi inadvertently launched a shell, igniting a fire on the HTMS Khirirat and causing injuries to its crew.
The incident took place amidst routine repair and maintenance activities. Specifically, the HTMS Chonburi, docked for artillery repairs, was attempting to manage an issue that had developed the previous day. During a drill, crew members had struggled to remove more than two 76mm shells from the deck gun’s loading system, necessitating the ship’s return to the naval base for repairs.
The Complexities of Nautical Artillery Malfunctions
This was not a simple case of human error; it appeared. The HTMS Chonburi's cannon, more than 40 years old, was under scrutiny for potentially contributing to the mishap. The age of such a system raises questions about the adequacy of maintenance and modernization in preventing accidents.
The incident didn't just impact the material aspects of the ships involved; it profoundly affected personnel. The misfire led to a shell striking the rear of the HTMS Khirirat, which was docked in front of HTMS Chonburi. The resulting fire onboard the HTMS Khirirat necessitated an immediate response from firefighters to control and eventually extinguish the blaze.
As per the Royal Thai Navy's reports, the moment the fire was reported, first responders rushed to the scene, underlining the dangerous unpredictability of naval operations, even within the presumed safety of a dockyard.
Immediate Repercussions and Naval Responses
The aftermath of the incident was swift. Lt. Commander Theeranai Laosing, the HTMS Chonburi's commander, was relieved from command and transferred to an "inactive position." This decision underscored the severity with which the Royal Thai Navy views such incidents and its commitment to accountability.
Royal Thai Navy Patrol Squadron commander Chalermchai Suankaew indicated the seriousness of the investigation into the mishap, saying, "Thailand's Navy is looking into pursuing an investigation of Laosing and his involvement in the incident." This statement suggested a thorough review process to uncover the precise causes and prevent future occurrences.
The HTMS Khirirat, which was the recipient of this unfortunate event, has served the Royal Thai Navy for half a century. Built by the Norfolk Shipbuilding & Drydock Corporation, the frigate's resilience was tested in a scenario far removed from combat, highlighting the wide spectrum of risks naval vessels face.
Victims, Recovery, and Navy's Pledge for Compensation
The human cost of the incident was significant, with fourteen crew members of the HTMS Khirirat suffering injuries. Five of these were described as severe, primarily due to smoke inhalation, indicating the severity of the fire's impact. This has led to a concentrated effort to provide specialized care for those most affected.
Thankfully, crew members with minor injuries were quickly discharged from medical care. This rapid response and the resilience of the crew members speak to the thoroughness of the Royal Thai Navy's emergency health protocols.
In a move reflecting duty and compassion, Royal Thai Fleet Commander in Chief Adm. Chatchai Thongsaard announced that "The Navy will provide compensation to all those who were injured," assuring support and acknowledgment of the hardships faced by the crew.
Looking Ahead: Lessons from a Close Call
The narrative of the incident at Sattahip Naval Base is a stark reminder of the perils inherent in military operations, even those seemingly routine tasks such as maintenance and repair. The sudden turn of events from a standard procedure to an emergency underscores the importance of strict safety standards and the constant need for vigilance.
The Royal Thai Navy's swift actions in the wake of the incident, from providing medical care to initiating a comprehensive investigation, demonstrate a structured response to unforeseen crises. They stand as a testament to the protocols in place to manage such hazards yet also remind us of the unpredictable nature of dealing with advanced military hardware.
In conclusion, the tragic accident aboard the HTMS Chonburi, leading to a misfire and subsequent injuries on the HTMS Khirirat, underscores the complexities and dangers of naval operations. With an ongoing investigation into the incident, responses from high-ranking naval officials, and the promise of compensation to the injured, the Royal Thai Navy is navigating through this challenging period with a focus on accountability, care for its personnel, and lessons for the future.
