BANGKOK — Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is seeking 12 million baht ($366,600) in damages from the owner of a Myanmar cargo ship that struck and damaged coral reefs in the Surin Islands National Park.
The incident occurred on June 1 when the cargo vessel “MV.AYAR LINN” ran aground on coral reefs in Jak Bay, Surin Islands National Park in Phangnga Province, after apparently fleeing Myanmar coast guard authorities.
The Surin Islands National Park, located off Thailand’s Andaman coast, is renowned for its pristine coral reefs and marine biodiversity, making this incident particularly significant for marine conservation efforts.
Extensive Coral Damage Documented
Department Director-General Atthaphon Charoenchansa announced the damage assessment results on June 4, revealing widespread destruction to the coral ecosystem. The ship’s impact created a 75-meter trail of damage from the initial collision point to where it finally grounded.
Approximately 150 square meters of coral reef suffered damage, with six coral species affected:
- Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea): 80% of total damage – the most severely impacted species
- Staghorn coral (Acropora sp.): 15% of total damage
- Massive coral (Porites lutea): 5% of total damage
- Brain coral (Platygyra daedalea): 4 colonies broken
- Cauliflower coral (Pocillopora): 3 colonies damaged
- Star coral (Leptastrea purpurea): 1 colony affected
Environmental Concerns Mount
Park officials are particularly concerned about cargo debris scattered across the reef, including cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, truck tires, rubber hoses, and other waste materials. The vessel also carries over 3,000 cement bags that pose additional environmental risks if they fall into the sea.
“The ship appears to have been trying to evade Myanmar authorities, though we don’t know the exact reason since the cargo appears to be legal goods,” Charoenchansa explained. “The vessel was damaged and sought shelter, but unfortunately grounded on our coral reef.”
Five-Point Emergency Response Plan
Due to monsoon conditions with strong waves and winds preventing immediate salvage operations, park authorities have implemented a comprehensive five-point emergency management plan:
- Oil Spill Prevention: Dive teams have sealed fuel valves to prevent leakage
- Spill Response Preparation: Oil booms secured from Phuket Port Authority and private sector partners
- Emergency Team Deployment: Royal Thai Navy vessel “Panhyee” on standby with equipment
- Legal Action: Khuraburi Police investigating while park officials document evidence for criminal and civil proceedings
- Marine Resource Restoration: Detailed underwater damage surveys and debris removal operations
Area Closure and Public Advisory
Surin Islands National Park Chief Kriangkrai Paocharoen has temporarily closed the affected area to allow natural recovery. The public and tourists are urged to avoid the incident site for safety reasons and to allow rescue operations to proceed.
The ship’s owner has not yet come forward, but park authorities are actively seeking contact to pursue compensation. Legal proceedings are underway as officials work to prevent further environmental damage during the challenging monsoon season.
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