The Royal Thai Embassy in Jakarta has received confirmation that all 14 Thai crew working on an asphalt tanker “AB 9” which sank off the east coast of Pulau Bintan, Indonesia, on 27 January 2010 have all been successfully rescued by the Indonesian navy.
Following reports that a Singapore-registered asphalt tanker was reported to have sunk off the east coast of Pulau Bintan, Indonesia, about 900 kilometres from Jakarta and towards the south of Singapore, the Thai Embassy in Jakarta immediately followed up on the fate of the crew, all of which were Thai nationals. After extensive coordination with the relevant Indonesian authorities, it was confirmed that following rescue by the Indonesian navy, all 14 Thai crew were safe and sound.
At present, Thai Ambassador to Jakarta, Mr. Thanatip Upatising, and his team are coordinating with the Indonesian authorities to ensure that speedy assistance is provided to the 14 survivors and that careful attention is paid to their welfare. The Thai Embassy will also provide further updates as soon as they are available.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th