The bunker tanker Venus 14 sank in the Gulf of Thailand on November 11, 2026, with six crew members reported missing.

According to reports published on November 12, search and rescue operations remain underway. Authorities are also monitoring the area for potential fuel pollution.

Vessel sank off Sattahip

The Royal Thai Navy’s First Naval Area Command received a report of the sinking at approximately 09:00 local time on November 11.

The reported location was around 27 nautical miles southwest of the entrance to the Sattahip Naval Base navigation channel, in Chonburi province.

The Thai-flagged Venus 14 supplied fuel to fishing vessels operating in the region.

Patrol boat and aircraft deployed

The navy dispatched patrol boat Tor 113, supported by a maritime surveillance aircraft.

Search teams are working to locate the missing seafarers and establish the position of the sunken vessel. Ships in the area have been advised to exercise caution and report any signs of people in distress.

Authorities prepare for a possible spill

The fuel carried aboard the tanker presents a potential pollution risk. The Marine Department’s pollution-response coordination centre is monitoring the surrounding waters.

Specialist personnel and oil-spill response equipment have been placed on standby. No signs of a fuel spill were detected in the initial reports. The quantity of fuel aboard has not been disclosed.

Crew’s fate remains unknown

The cause of the sinking has not been established. The available reports dated November 12 contain no confirmed news that the six missing crew members have been rescued.

Search operations continue while the circumstances of the incident remain under investigation.