A miraculous escape for a crane operator working a huge container moving crane at Leam Chabang Port in Sriracha. A storm over Leam Chabang resulted in a strong gust of wind that latched on to his massive crane. As he was manoevering his huge machine the gust of wind lifted his crane weighing hundreds of tonnes and unceremoniously dumped it off the end of the pier into the harbour.
The crane operator with seconds to spare jumped into the water way below and survived with only minor injuries.
The crane and the cargo container it was transporting fared less well and ended up at the bottom of the harbour. No damage was reported to the multi million dollar wharf.
Port officials are now attempting to retrieve the cargo and the lost crane - using of course another crane. It is expected to take 2 to 3 days and cost 100 million Baht for the recovery operation. I hope they are careful to watch out for black clouds over Leam Chabang.
