9-8-2023 (BANGKOK) Efforts to combat an oil slick suspected to have originated from a ship have resulted in the removal of approximately three tonnes of oil from Sirinat National Park and Koh Racha Yai, both areas located in the vicinity of Phuket, Thailand. The spill, believed to have emanated from the nearby Phangnga province, washed ashore last week, sparking concerns about its environmental impact on marine ecosystems and coastal regions.
Pornsri Suthanaruk, the deputy director-general of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, convened a meeting on Tuesday with experts in maritime and coastal ecosystems, the director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre – Upper Andaman Sea branch, and Phuket’s deputy governor, Amnuay Pinsuwan. The discussion centered on devising effective strategies for the cleanup operation.
The slick’s suspected source was traced back to Phangnga province before making its way to Koh Racha Yai in Phuket over the course of several days.
Ms. Pornsri disclosed that approximately two tonnes of oil had been successfully collected from Sirinat National Park, with an additional tonne retrieved from Koh Racha Yai.
The environmental ramifications of the spill extended to marine life and underwater coral, with a sprawling 4,000 rai area of undersea coral from Phangnga to Phuket at risk. As authorities assessed the ecological toll, their primary focus remained on minimizing the slick’s adverse effects.
Inspections encompassed the impact on marine creatures as well as the affected sea areas. Swift and comprehensive oil removal efforts were vital to prevent long-term hazards from contaminating coastal sands and posing a threat to shellfish populations.
Disturbingly, the department reported the unfortunate deaths of four sea turtles linked to the slick. Traces of oil discovered in their stomachs indicated a potential connection to a tanker or cargo ship.
In light of the situation, tourists were cautioned against swimming in contaminated waters and urged to report any oil sightings to the relevant authorities.
To ascertain the precise origin of the spill, the department conducted simulations to map sea currents and wind speeds over the preceding ten days. Preliminary results indicated that the spill could have originated approximately 90 nautical miles east of Phuket.
Ms. Pornsri further disclosed that the Phuket provincial office possessed valuable information for potential vessel identification, drawing from ship movement data compiled by the Marine Department.
