Video Report: Officials hunt boat caught anchoring on corals

PHUKET: Officials are hunting down the company that owns a boat that was caught on video anchoring in fragile corals off Koh Racha Yai.

The video shows the anchor biting into a coral bommie with the metal chain laying across a few species of corals. The anchor is connected to a rope tied to the boat, which the cameraman clearly documents as he ascends with the line, capturing the name of the boat.

The video, posted on February 16, was taken at Bungalow Bay, confirmed the Facebook user who posted the video, but declined to be named.

“We are very appreciative of the video, as it clearly shows the name of the boat, which allows us to investigate further,” Santi Pawai, director of Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) Phuket Office, told the Phuket Gazette. “I will send the video to the Phuket Marine Office, the Navy and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, so they can help us deal with this case.”

Mr Santi did note that as part of the investigation, officers would have to confirm the time and place the video was shot.

“We will have to call them in and question them before taking any legal action. On our end, we can only charge them for damaging the tourism industry, possibly suspending their licence. However, other departments should be able to take further action,” Mr Santi said.

— Kongleaphy Keam