Oil Tanker Runs Aground Off Songkhla in High Waves
An empty oil tanker with four crew members ran aground at Hat Di Luang in Songkhla province after being overwhelmed by waves over three meters high in the Gulf of Thailand. Marine police and port officials are coordinating a response, and no environmental damage has been reported. The Southern Meteorological Center has warned of continued rough seas and advised small vessels to remain in port.
An oil tanker ran aground at Hat Di Luang in Songkhla's Sathing Phra district early on November 12 after being unable to withstand waves exceeding three meters in the Gulf of Thailand. The vessel, named N. Ratchapreuk, was carrying four crew members and was empty while en route back to Bangkok. Marine Police Station 1, Division 7, received the report at 04:00 from the Songkhla Regional Port Office. The ship grounded near Moo 1, Tambon Di Luang. Initial checks found the crew safe aboard the ballast vessel. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to manage the situation. The incident has not yet affected the coastal area, and the cause remains under investigation, though strong wind-driven waves in the lower Gulf are suspected. The Southern Meteorological Center (East Coast) warned that waves in the lower Gulf, from Nakhon Si Thammarat southward, are reaching 2-3 meters, exceeding three meters in thunderstorms. Mariners are urged to exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy areas, while small boats in the lower Gulf should stay ashore during this period.
