Phuket: An oil crisis has engulfed the Racha Islands, flooding the landmark bay following the sinking of a giant ship. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) reported an urgent situation on February 26, 2026, after a large oil slick was discovered washing up on the key beaches of the Racha Islands, Phuket. This environmental disaster resulted from the sinking of the Sea Lloyd Arc cruise ship earlier this month. Westerly winds have persistently driven the oil slick into the core of the tourist area, particularly affecting Patok Bay (Plapphla Bay), where a significant layer of oil was detected off the beach of The Racha Hotel. Additionally, tar balls have been spotted along the rocky shores of Tue Bay, La Bay, and Siam Bay, causing serious concerns about tourism and the marine ecosystem. According to Thai News Agency, relevant agencies are now urgently collaborating to mitigate the damage, working with the Marine Police Region 3 to formulate regional control plans. They are also seeking assistan ce from local hotels and shops to promptly clean the oil slick from the beaches to prevent the accumulation of toxic substances. The Marine Research Center is closely monitoring the effects on coral reefs and rare marine life, as the oil slick poses a silent threat that could severely disrupt the food chain and ecosystem over time. The DMCR stresses that swiftly removing the oil slick is crucial to preserving Phuket's marine ecosystem.