Massive oil slick threatens Sattahip’s pristine shores
A massive oil slick has been discovered just 4 nautical miles from Bang Saray Beach, sending shockwaves through the local community and environmental groups. The slick, stretching over 2 kilometres, was first reported in the afternoon, igniting fears of its devastating impact on marine life and the booming tourism industry.
Bang Saray Community Enterprise for Tourism and Sports chairperson Udom Jittthanom confirmed the grim reality after a thorough investigation via speedboat and aerial surveillance. He disclosed that the oil was initially spotted by a boat operator near Khram Island before spreading towards Koh Ped and the Royal Thai Navy (RTN)’s Chumphol Naval School. The slick is now dangerously close to the shores of Bang Saray Beach.
The discovery has left local fishermen and residents in a state of panic, urging authorities to take immediate action.
“If this contamination isn’t tackled now, the damage to our marine ecosystems and tourism could be catastrophic.”
Tourism is the lifeblood of this coastal community, and any harm to its beaches could cripple the local economy.
Udom has already sounded the alarm to Mayor Somwang Eamdee of Bang Saray Municipality, pushing for urgent measures to contain the spill before it reaches the beach.
The mayor is expected to spearhead an investigation to uncover the source of the spill, determining whether it resulted from illegal discharge or an accidental leak. Those responsible will face the full force of the law, reported Pattaya Mail.
In related news, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) officers successfully located three oil tankers stolen from a Thai Marine Police (TMP) dock in Chon Buri and subsequently found in Malaysia. Eight crew members are missing, and a quantity of petrol has reportedly vanished.
In other news, black water in Klong Tha Jeen, located on the east side of Phuket Town, was traced back to soot from a boat engine, according to the Phuket Marine Office.
