Koh Larn-
An LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanker collided with and ran aground on rocky outcrops near the headland of Koh Larn, close to Ta Waen Beach on the morning of March 25th, 2025.
As of the latest update at 3:00 PM on March 25, 2025, reporters visited the site near Ta Waen Beach on Koh Larn to follow up on the situation. The LPG tanker remains stranded on the rocks, an area locally known as Whale Point, with no salvage operations yet underway. Authorities have confirmed that the vessel was not carrying any gas at the time of the accident, alleviating earlier concerns about potential gas leaks.
Despite this reassurance, local residents and tourists were initially alarmed upon learning that the vessel was an LPG tanker. Meanwhile, representatives from the tanker’s operating company, alongside Pattaya city officials, have inspected the site and are formulating a plan to salvage the vessel while ensuring the preservation of the area’s natural resources, particularly its relatively intact coral reefs.
The tanker’s owning company, SC Group Holding Co., Ltd., has issued an official statement regarding the incident. The statement reads: “At approximately 2:25 AM on March 25, 2025, the vessel NP Bangpakong, an LPG tanker operated by SC Group Holding Co., Ltd., ran aground near Koh Larn, off Ta Waen Beach, Pattaya. The company expresses its deepest regret over the incident and takes full responsibility for the event, which resulted from the negligence of the crew on duty. We are fully cooperating with relevant authorities in the investigation and will adhere to all legal procedures.”
The company further clarified that it has taken immediate action to address the situation, including deploying tugboats to remove the vessel from the area as quickly as possible. Additionally, the company has pledged to provide appropriate compensation to those affected by the incident. It emphasized that no gas or chemical leaks have been detected as a result of the accident.
SC Group Holding Co., Ltd. has committed to implementing stricter preventive measures moving forward. The company has instructed its staff and all relevant personnel to prioritize public safety in their operations and will enforce greater vigilance among employees and related units to prevent similar incidents in the future. The statement concluded with gratitude to the authorities, officials, and members of the public who have provided assistance in this matter.
Efforts to salvage the vessel and mitigate any environmental impact are ongoing as of press time.
