HOW_WRECK_SUNK:

A large wave hit the ship and the cargo (ammunition and gunpowder for disposal at sea) broke loose and rolled to the port side.  She was then listing heavily to port and taking waves over the side.  The water swamped the engines and the pumps also failed.  (I assume that they were not expecting rough sea at that time of year and did not have the cargo firmly strapped down).

The Captain was ashamed and tried to go down with the ship.  But some of the crew members dragged him into a life boat. (This could be a bit of hubris to save face)

WRECK_DOING_WHAT:

Earlier, the ship had been used for bringing the body of a senior military officer, who died in the “Indo-China” war, back to Thailand. Some sailors believed that his ghost haunted the ship.  As she sunk, they heard a strange, eerie sound which they believed to be the ghost crying out.  (Probably air rushing out as she sunk)

OTHER INFORMATION

Two weeks after the sinking the head of the Navy released a report saying that they still did not know why she sank. (Or they didn’t want to say)

Got a load of lovely officers’ Royal Thai Navy chinaware from deep inside the HTMS Pangan. It’s white, navy blue lines with gold leaf line and crest. Only got about 50 pieces so far and the room is still full.

DIVE_TEAM_NAME_EMAILS: