According to the First Naval Area Command, the Thai-flagged vessel went down approximately 27 nautical miles from the entrance of the channel leading to the Sattahip Naval Base, on a bearing of 227 degrees. The Venus 14 was primarily used to supply fuel to fishing vessels. As of the latest reports, the Navy has not disclosed the specific reason for the sinking, nor has it confirmed the condition or whereabouts of the six missing crew members.
Upon receiving the distress alert, the First Naval Area Command deployed the patrol boat Tor 113 and a maritime surveillance aircraft. These units are tasked with locating the missing personnel and pinpointing the exact location of the sunken ship. To ensure safety in the area, authorities have issued navigational warnings, asking other vessels in the vicinity to exercise caution while transiting the waters.
Environmental risks are currently under assessment. The Navy and the Marine Department are monitoring the area for signs of fuel leakage from the wreck. While the exact quantity of fuel the tanker was carrying at the time of the sinking has not been confirmed, preparations for a potential oil spill are underway. The vessel HTMS Panyi and a helicopter, both carrying personnel and oil-spill response equipment, are on standby and will be deployed if a spill is detected.
The sinking highlights ongoing risks in the region’s maritime traffic. In September, the First Naval Area Command led a similar search operation for missing Myanmar crew members after a fishing boat sank off Sattahip. Authorities continue to prioritize the safety of the missing crew while coordinating with environmental agencies to mitigate any potential impact on the marine ecosystem.
Search operations remain active as of this report. No further updates have been released regarding the recovery of the crew or the determination of the accident’s cause. The Navy will continue to provide updates as the investigation into the incident progresses.
