Empty Life Raft Found in Search for Missing Brighton Woman off Thailand Coast
Rescue teams hunting for Millie Young, 57, a Brighton artist who vanished after a diving boat capsized off southern Thailand, have made a grim discovery — an empty life raft.
Deadly Dive Disaster near Surin Islands
The drama unfolded on Saturday morning near the Surin Islands, a hotspot for divers. The boat, named Reggae Queen, flipped in rough seas, leaving Millie and the cook, Samniang Chaichana, missing. The vessel was carrying 18 people on a diving tour when disaster struck.
Friends Safe, But Two Still Missing
Sixteen passengers, including Millie’s family friends Jo and Phil Degregorio and their two teens from Brighton, plus others, were rescued by a passing fishing vessel. Yet Millie and Samniang remain unaccounted for.
Search Intensifies as Navy Scours Wider Area
Rear Admiral Pongmit Narongkul, third Naval Region chief of staff, confirmed rescuers found the empty life raft about 20 nautical miles from the sinking spot. A navy patrol plane is combing a 15-nautical-mile radius west of the islands, broadening the hunt.
The British Foreign Office is actively helping Millie’s family and liaising with Thai authorities as the tense search drags on. Loved ones worldwide hold onto hope for a miracle as efforts continue.
