Grounded Cargo Ship Causes Serious Damage To Coral Reef In Thailand

A cargo vessel, MV Ayar Linn, ran aground on June 1 in the protected waters of Mu Ko Surin National Park in Thailand’s Phang Nga Province, causing extensive coral reef damage and raising fears of a major environmental disaster.

Thai officials confirmed that the ship, a 100-tonne wooden vessel, grounded near Ao Jak Bay and later partially sank. The impact damaged at least 75 meters of coral reef, with the worst destruction observed between 45 to 75 meters, where the ship’s hull crushed the reef beneath.

Initial surveys revealed that Blue coral (Heliopora coerulea) bore the brunt of the destruction, making up 80% of the damaged coral. Deer coral (Acropora sp.) accounted for 15%, and hump coral (Porites lutea) about 5%. Additional species like Platygyra daedalea, Pocillopora, and Leptastrea purpurea also sustained minor fractures.

Authorities from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) reported that the vessel had 7,700 liters of diesel and over 3,000 bags of cement onboard. The ship also released cardboard, cloth scraps, rubber tyres, and other debris into the marine ecosystem, compounding the environmental impact.

Thai officials have raised urgent concerns over the possibility of a diesel leak, which could severely harm the region’s marine biodiversity. Divers deployed by park authorities are working to seal the ship’s fuel tank valves and prevent leaks. Oil booms are being prepared with support from the Port Authority, Marine Police, and private sector partners to contain any surface spills.

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing monsoon season, which has delayed full salvage operations. Strong winds and rough seas pose risks for recovery teams, making it unsafe to proceed with removing the stranded vessel at this time.

Park officials have temporarily closed the affected area to tourists and urged the public to steer clear for their safety and to help facilitate recovery efforts.

Kriengkrai Pohcharoen, Chief of the Surin Islands National Park, confirmed that the damage zone extends roughly 150 square meters. Recovery and restoration plans are underway in cooperation with marine experts, universities, and conservation networks.

The Thai government is seeking compensation of at least 12 million baht for the environmental damage. Legal proceedings are ongoing, but the vessel’s owner has not yet come forward. Kuraburi Police Station is collecting evidence and reviewing the ship’s documentation, including its entry and exit history, to support legal action.

DNP officials indicated the ship may have been fleeing Myanmar authorities at the time of the incident, though this remains unverified. They emphasised that the ship’s cargo appeared to be legal.

Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has instructed all relevant agencies to ensure the salvage operation causes the least harm to the reef. Criminal and civil charges are being pursued to hold those responsible accountable.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Navy, Marine Police, and other local agencies are actively coordinating efforts for environmental restoration and long-term recovery of the reef ecosystem.

Officials reiterated that immediate public cooperation is essential. The area will remain off-limits until the environmental threat is neutralised and the reef begins its natural recovery.

Reference: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation