They took the prime minister hostage during a handover ceremony for the US dredge Manhattan and brought him aboard the Navy's flagship HTMS Sri Ayudhya.

Heavy fighting ensued, and Sri Ayudhya was sunk despite Phibun's presence on board; the prime minister had to swim ashore along with the ship's crew.

Phibun was forcibly taken aboard the Thai navy flagship HTMS Sri Ayudhya and held hostage.

[1][2] General stations were called, and the ship began to make way downstream towards the Naval Ordnance Department in Bang Na.

[2] Fighting quickly ensued, and the naval units that sided with the rebels became heavily outnumbered by the army, police and air force, who were loyal to the government.

Sri Ayudhya joined the fight, but its engines were soon disabled and the ship became dead in the water in front of Wichaiprasit Fort.

[3] In the aftermath, the navy's leadership was immediately fired, including Admiral Sindhu, its top commander.