A vessel loaded with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) ran aground near Larn Island, off Pattaya in Chonburi province, after manoeuvring to avoid a collision with another boat at around 2am this morning.
Pattaya authorities were put on alert for a possible leak, although an initial inspection of the vessel found none.
Police and marine officials visited the site this morning and had the vessel rechecked to ensure safety in the area, which is near the popular tourist resort of Pattaya.
The captain of the ill-fated double-hulled vessel claimed that the accident occurred because he moved off course to avoid a collision with another vessel.
The captain of the second vessel told police, however, that the LPG tanker was speeding, prompting him to veer off course to avoid colliding with it. He said his boat was damaged during the incident.
It is reported that SC Group Holdings, the owner of the NP Bangpakong vessel, will send a tugboat to re-float it and inspect the damage.
The company issued a statement today, apologising for the incident. It said that the accident resulted from an employee’s negligence and that it would take full responsibility.
