The Boonwipa Rescue Volunteer unit said on Sunday (27 Mar) that it received an emergency report that the tanker Ampar 8, which was on its way to Bangkok, was in distress following an explosion near the Royal Thai Navy's Phra Chulachomklao Fort.
According to the volunteer unit, the explosion was immediately followed by a massive fire and billowing smoke at the ship's bow section. One crew member was fatally injured while another sustained injuries. Fourteen individuals were later rescued from the burning tanker.
Navy firefighting boats were deployed to the scene, as was the Samut Prakan disaster prevention and mitigation office, to assist in extinguishing the blaze.
Deputy Transport Minister Atirat Ratanasate later confirmed the incident to media outlets. He said the tanker was owned by Ayudhya Development Leasing Co, which was transporting approximately 3 million liters of crude oil from Koh Sichang in Chon Buri province to a Bangkok boat pier.
Atirat told reporters that the Marine Department has coordinated with the Navy to send the rescue boats to assist with the evacuation of the trapped crew.
Officials said an investigation has since been launched to determine the cause of the incident.