Sunday, September 05, 2010
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Accidents Bangkok Post: Published: 6/09/2010 at 12:00 AM
Oil spill clean-up gets under way off Phuket
A clean-up operation has begun after a ship loaded with 40,000 litres of diesel capsized near Phuket. Nawin Thananet, the 3rd Fleet's chief of staff, said a helicopter was sent yesterday to survey the oil spill site 12 nautical miles off Phuket. The survey found an oil slick 0.8 kilometres wide and 4.8km long.
The Choke Thaworn 6 ship was carrying about 40,000 litres of diesel when it capsized during a fierce storm off Phuket on Saturday. All on board were rescued. Most of the fuel was in a sealed tanker and had been transferred to other vessels before the ship was completely submerged, Rear Adm Nawin quoted the ship's owner as saying. From 300 to 400 litres of diesel from the ship's engine and pipes might have spilled into the sea, he said.
The 3rd Fleet has sent a ship to take part in the clean-up operation, while the Marine Department has sought cooperation from PTT to provide some 4,000 litres of chemicals to help the effort.
Rear Adm Nawin allayed concerns that the oil spill would affect the environment, saying it was contained. Divers would survey the site where the ship had capsized, he said, adding the clean-up would conclude today.
Remark: No data on tanker Choke Thaworn 6, and some doubts about offloading part of cargo “during a fierce storm”. I’m living in Thailand and can’t but wonder at total shipping ignorance in local media, they don’t even know that there are 77 Thai fishermen held by Somali pirates. When there’s accident with Thai vessel somewhere around the globe, all international media may report it except be sure, Thai one.
Mikhail Voytenko
