Phuket: Authorities are rushing to salvage a sunken cargo ship off the coast of Phuket, fearing environmental damage. The Maritime Security Command Region 3 is accelerating the salvage operation of the sunken Panamanian cargo ship off the coast of Phuket, aiming for completion by April. Concerns remain about environmental and tourism impacts. Authorities confirm the seawater remains normal, and coral reefs and rare marine life have not yet been affected.
According to Thai News Agency, Vice Admiral Weerudom Muangchin, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy Region 3 and Director of the Maritime Security Command Region 3, led a press conference with relevant agencies, including the Phuket Port Authority, the Pollution Control and Environmental Protection Bureau, and the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center, to explain the progress in controlling and cleaning up the oil spill after a Panamanian cargo ship sank off the coast of Phuket, approximately 3 nautical miles (about 6 kilometers) from Laem Phromthep, on February 7th. The incident resulted in oil slicks and containers being scattered in the sea.
The director of the Maritime Security Command Region 3 confirmed that, as of now, the oil spill detected from the vessel is under control and has not yet caused any environmental impact. The inspection revealed that the vessel contained two types of oil: 98 tons (98,000 liters) of fuel oil (crude oil) and 32 tons (32,000 liters) of diesel fuel.
However, the oil spilled was mostly light oil, such as diesel or fuel oil, with some spills occurring in small quantities. The oil was flowing out into the open sea and not towards the Phuket coastline. Previously, the Maritime Security Command Region 3 primarily used natural methods to clean up the oil slick, along with limited use of chemicals to cause the oil to clump together before naturally dispersing. It is confirmed that this method has not affected the environment below the surface, as the oil slick was found in deep sea water, not in coastal areas.
However, boat owners and marine insurance companies must be urged to expedite the process of dealing with the sunken vessels by April 30th, before the monsoon season begins in May. Failure to complete the work during this period will result in strong winds and rough seas.
The operation will be overseen by the Maritime Security Command Region 3 to ensure it proceeds according to plan, in order to prevent any negative impacts on the environment, tourism, economy, and society of Phuket.
Sea water levels are confirmed to remain normal, and coral reefs and rare animals have not been affected.
Regarding public concerns about the 14 containers of hazardous materials, experts from the Environmental Office and the Pollution Control Department have confirmed that the containers contain hazardous substances categorized into three groups: corrosive substances, oxidizing agents, and flammable substances. Direct contact can cause skin irritation. However, the public can rest assured that, as water quality monitoring shows the water remains within standard levels and no such substances have leaked into the sea. The public should not be overly concerned.
Meanwhile, the director of the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center revealed that field inspections and monitoring of important marine resources, such as coral reefs, have shown no impact. They are also observing the behavior of rare marine animals like dugongs, whales, and sea turtles in the area to prevent them from stranding on the shore. So far, no abnormalities have been detected.