Update: Phuket oil spill

PHUKET: As feared 40,000 liters of diesel fuel is leaking from the wreck of Choke Thavorn 6, a small tanker that sunk about 10 kilometers south of Phuket yesterday morning.

The state-run Thai News Agency reported at 1am today that Navy helicopters confirmed a large and growing contamination plume above the site of the wreck, which now sits about 30 meters below the surface.

Prevailing currents appear to be taking the fuel slick out into international waters, it was reported.

More information about the oil slick will be available later this morning when helicopters and patrol vessels will be better able to monitor the situation.