Search Underway for Six Missing Crew After Oil Tanker Sinks Off Thailand's Coast

Six crew members are currently missing following the sinking of the oil tanker Venus 14 off Thailand's eastern coast. The incident occurred approximately 27 nautical miles from the Sattahip Naval Base in Chon Buri province, according to the Royal Thai Navy.

The First Naval Area Command has initiated a search and rescue operation, deploying a patrol boat and a maritime surveillance aircraft to locate the missing crew and the sunken vessel, as reported by the Bangkok Post.

As part of their efforts, the navy has issued warnings to other vessels navigating the area and is coordinating with the Marine Department to prepare for any potential marine pollution should fuel leak from the sunken tanker. The exact amount of fuel aboard at the time of sinking has not been disclosed.

“The navy is fully prepared to assist in the search and is closely monitoring for environmental impacts.”Rear Admiral Chanin Srivihok, Royal Thai Navy spokesperson

In response to the situation, the navy has placed the tugboat HTMS Panyi and a helicopter on standby, along with personnel and oil-spill response equipment, ready for immediate deployment if necessary. The navy spokesperson, Rear Admiral Chanin Srivihok, confirmed that operations to locate the missing crew would continue while monitoring for environmental impacts.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of the sinking or whether any distress signals were sent prior to the incident. The ongoing search and rescue efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety of maritime operations in the region.