On August 1, 2023, Admiral Prakum Monthat Phalin, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, addressed the incident involving HTMS Naresuan, which was damaged while docking at Map Ta Phut Industrial Port, Rayong Province. The incident occurred on July 26, 2023, during the Royal Navy Naresuan’s participation in the International Ship and Port Security Plan (ISPS CODE) exercises.
The exercises, known as “Naval Security Port and Ship Map Ta Phut Exercise 2023” (NASMEX 2023), were organized from July 25 to July 27, 2023, at Map Ta Phut Industrial Port, Muang District, Rayong Province. The primary objective of these exercises was to enhance interstate cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, boats, and piers to jointly investigate and prevent sea-based threats. The exercises also tested the readiness of security personnel in accordance with international ship and port security practices (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code: ISPS Code).
During the process of taking HTMS Naresuan out of the pier, the starboard hull of the vessel collided with the corner of the berth, resulting in damage to torpedo launchers and life rafts. Additionally, the hull sustained minor abrasions. Thankfully, no personnel were injured during the incident, and everyone aboard the vessel remained safe.
Following the incident, the Naval Operations Center Region 1 established a fact-finding committee to investigate and report the findings to the Navy. They are also coordinating with the technical unit responsible for the initial equipment damage to assess the extent of the damage.
A Navy spokesperson emphasized that the Navy has received preliminary reports on the incident and is actively investigating to determine the exact cause. They are keen on ascertaining whether the incident resulted from an accident or other factors. The investigative committee will provide further details once their assessment is complete. In the meantime, the relevant technical units are already working on repairing the damaged equipment.
