A visible ring of oil appeared in the ocean Saturday off the island of Koh Samet following the leak of an offshore crude pipe platform. Strong winds pose a threat to the spread of oil in the Gulf of Thailand while agencies work round the clock to prevent further expansion.
The impact of the oil spill could present a threat to the environment and tourism. More than 70 tons of crude oil spilled following the leak of an offshore platform operated by PTT Global Chemical, a subsidiary of national petroleum company PTT.
The Navy has sent ships and helicopters to contain the V shape spread across 1.5 nautical miles. PTT Global Chemical stated that the leak occurred from a 16-inch diameter leak on a transport pipe. The leak occurred offshore around 7am yesterday at 20 kilometers southeast of Rayong.
The leak has since been plugged. Booms are being used as temporary barriers in the spread of oil. The largest concern of the slick is polluting the beaches and shorelines in the Gulf of Thailand. Booms will also help concentrate oil into thick layers where vacuums and skimmers will collect surface pollution. If oil were to reach beaches of Koh Samet and Rayong cleanup efforts will be exceptionally more difficult.
Puchong Sarittichaikul, director of a local marine resources preservation centre, said that the coming winds toward Rayong’s shores might lead the floating oil slick to reach beaches. He said local fishing boats were asked to be on the lookout and inform the authorities when they see oil slick near the shores, according to The Nation.
Photo: Gulf Times
Reader Interactions