Phuket: The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources is urgently working to rescue the beaches of the Racha Islands from the oil spill crisis. The Racha Islands remain a cause for concern after a large oil slick washed ashore in Patok Bay (Plapphla Bay) in front of The Racha Hotel, and in Tue Bay, Hla Bay, and Siam Bay following the sinking of the Sea Lloyd Arc on February 7. All sectors are joining forces to urgently rescue the beaches.

According to Thai News Agency, the Facebook page of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) posted images and a message stating: "Oil spill crisis hits 'Racha Islands,' urgent rescue efforts underway on beaches after shipwreck, situation is worrying! February 26, 2026. The DMCR's Protected Area Management and Suppression Division, specifically the Racha Islands Protected Area Management Center in Phuket, reported an urgent finding of a large amount of oil slick washing ashore, a continuing impact from the SEALLOYD ARC shipwreck earlier this month."

The influence of westerly winds has continuously carried oil slicks into the heart of Koh Racha's tourism area, particularly in Patok Bay (Plapphla Bay), where thick oil slicks are found near The Racha Hotel's beach, and in Tue Bay, Hla Bay, and Siam Bay, where tar balls are scattered along the sandy beaches and rocks. Currently, relevant agencies are joining forces to mitigate immediate damage through containment and restoration efforts. This includes coordinating with the Maritime Security Command Region 3 (MSCR 3) to report the situation and plan regional control measures, requesting cooperation from shops and hotels in the area to immediately clean up oil slicks from the beaches to reduce toxic accumulation, and coordinating with research centers to closely monitor the ecosystem and the impact on coral reefs and marine life.

Oil slicks are a silent threat that is more destructive than meets the eye. They are not just dirt on the beaches; they represent a serious disaster for marine resources: "A single drop of oil can cause immense damage to an ecosystem." When oil breaks down, toxins infiltrate the food chain, destroy coral reefs, and have long-lasting effects on rare marine animals. Working together to "clean it up as quickly as possible" is the only way to preserve Phuket's tourism image and the health of its seas. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources sends its support to all officials and volunteers in the area. If you see any further oil slicks, please report them to local authorities immediately.