LPG Tanker Runs Aground Near Koh Larn’s Tawaen Beach, No Gas Leak Reported

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Daily News.

 

An LPG tanker ran aground near Tawaen Beach, Koh Larn, in the early hours of the morning of 25 March. Fortunately, no gas leaks or environmental hazards were reported.

 

The incident occurred at approximately 02:00, when the vessel, identified as NP Bang Pakong (registration number 570001110), was travelling from Bang Pakong, Chachoengsao, to the Map Ta Phut Port in Rayong. According to the ship’s captain, the grounding happened while attempting to avoid a fishing boat.

 

 

However, the owner of the fishing vessel, who shared footage of the incident online, criticised the tanker’s actions, insisting that his boat had been clearly visible with all lights on. His social media post accused the larger ship of reckless navigation, questioning why it had not taken evasive action sooner.

 

Officials from Koh Larn’s local marine department inspected the site and confirmed that the tanker, had run aground on its ballast tank. Thankfully, there were no signs of a gas leak or fuel spill.

In response, the shipping company arranged for a tugboat from Map Ta Phut to assist in refloating the vessel. Engineers and marine inspectors were also dispatched to assess potential damage.

 

Meanwhile, Pattaya’s Marine Department has launched an investigation into the incident and will take any necessary regulatory actions.

 

While the situation could have been far more dangerous, authorities have reassured the public that there was no threat to lives, property, or the environment.

 

-- 2025-03-26

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

At sea, you should always turn to starboard if there is a risk of collision, unless the other vessel is on your right shoulder. 

 

[Geoffggi]

It is problematic when the excuse of slippery road conditions or brake failure cannot be used ..............LOL 🤣😂😎

[JoePai]

Driver was reaching for his dropped phone

[ronster]

Easily done ! 🙈

[Peterphuket]

On 3/26/2025 at 6:02 AM, Geoffggi said:

It is problematic when the excuse of slippery road conditions or brake failure cannot be used ..............LOL 🤣😂😎

No, that's correct, but a Captain's course in LOS, I don't rate highly either.

[hotchilli]

On 3/26/2025 at 4:08 AM, Georgealbert said:

According to the ship’s captain, the grounding happened while attempting to avoid a fishing boat.

Considering the maneuvering ability, steering and change of speed, I'd say there was a fishing boat that went un-noticed for a long time, but there definitely was an Island which he found.

[newbee2022]

God sake, no oil tanker.

[richard_smith237]

On 3/26/2025 at 4:35 AM, Mr Meeseeks said:

At sea, you should always turn to starboard if there is a risk of collision, unless the other vessel is on your right shoulder. 

 

 

Which way did the ship turn ?....  are you implying anything other than this happened ?

 

Or are you just stating knowledge such as "when on the road you should stop at a red traffic light'

[richard_smith237]

On 3/26/2025 at 6:02 AM, Geoffggi said:

It is problematic when the excuse of slippery road conditions or brake failure cannot be used ..............LOL 🤣😂😎

 

Have they tested the Ship's Pilot & crew on duty (Captain) for booze ?

[Homburg]

Clearly not the Captain's fault - the island jumped out in front of the ship...

[Mr Meeseeks]

3 hours ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Which way did the ship turn ?....  are you implying anything other than this happened ?

 

Or are you just stating knowledge such as "when on the road you should stop at a red traffic light'

 

Looking at the position of the ship relative to the rocks, it wasn't turning to starboard.

[Grusa]

19 hours ago, Homburg said:

Clearly not the Captain's fault - the island jumped out in front of the ship...

Were the islands navigation lights switched on?

[EVENKEEL]

On 3/25/2025 at 2:35 PM, Mr Meeseeks said:

At sea, you should always turn to starboard if there is a risk of collision, unless the other vessel is on your right shoulder. 

 

Not when you have the horizon full of fishing boats. Been there, done that.

 

I'd bet the Mate on the Bridge was on Auto Pilot and who knows. Maybe, no one even on the bridge.