Surat Thani officials have confirmed that traces of oil have been found on a beach in Don Sak after the partial-sinking of a Koh Samui ferry on Sunday, April 16. Don San is the location, on the east coast of Surat Thani, of the departure pier for ferries heading to the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao.
The Raja Ferry vessel was docked at the pier in Don Sak during heavy storms, when a series of big waves struck the boat. This in turn caused the ferry to take on water, with the boat eventually ending up partially submerged. There were no passengers or crew on board at the time and no injuries reported.
The Phuket Express reports that officials from the Surat Thani Public Relations Office have confirmed reports of an oil stain in the water and on Nang Kam Beach in Donsak. It’s understood the oil has leaked from the partially-submerged ferry.
According to the report, the operators of the ferry have been informed and a number of employees have been sent to attempt a clean-up of the beach. The workers are understood to be using a non-toxic, environmentally-safe product called bioQ, which accelerates the decomposition of petroleum oil.
Officials have said they will continue to monitor and follow up on the situation.
SOURCE: The Phuket Express
