Search Underway for Seven Crew Members After Oil Tanker Sinks in Gulf of Thailand
A fishing oil tanker, Venus 14, has sunk off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan, leaving seven crew members missing and raising environmental concerns.
On November 11, 2026, the Prachuap Khiri Khan Regional Marine Office received a report that the oil tanker 'Venus 14' had capsized in the Gulf of Thailand. The vessel, which measures 32.5 meters in length and 199 gross tons, was located approximately 51.8 kilometers (28 nautical miles) off the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan. According to reports from Khaosod Online, the ship was carrying 280,000 liters of diesel fuel at the time of the incident. Search and rescue operations are currently underway to locate the seven crew members who remain missing. For residents and travelers in the region, this incident is significant due to the potential environmental impact of the large volume of diesel fuel on board. While authorities are actively managing the situation, the exact cause of the sinking and the current status of the missing individuals have yet to be confirmed. Travelers in the area should remain aware of potential maritime disruptions or environmental advisories issued by local authorities as the search continues.
