Fishing Tender Goes Down off Thailand, Leaving Six Missing
A fishing tender has gone down off the coast of Sattahip, Thailand, leaving six crewmembers missing, according to local authorities.
The tender Venus 14 was operating off the coast of Chon Buri on Wednesday morning when she sank by the stern at a position about 27 nautical miles off the Sattahip Naval Base, towards the northern end of the Gulf of Thailand.
The Royal Thai Navy has launched a concerted SAR campaign in an attempt to locate the missing crewmembers. A patrol vessel is searching the area, along with a maritime patrol aircraft, and a pollution-control vessel is on standby in case the wreck releases fuel. Navigational warnings to stay clear of the wreck area are in effect.
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The Venus 14 served as a tanker providing bunkering services to local fishing boats, and may have a meaningful quantity of petroleum board. The Royal Thai Navy is consulting with Thailand's Marine Department to assess the risk and make preparations for any possible spill.
The cause of the vessel's loss and the names of the crew have not been released. AIS data (provided by Pole Star Global) shows that the small tanker was last seen three days ago, stationary and broadcasting an "at anchor" status near the site of the reported loss. She had been holding position in the same location since at least the end of October. Her AIS record contains unusual anomalies over the span of the past year, including long "dark" periods and occasional excursions onto dry land, a sign of spoofing.
