Picture courtesy of Natural History Museum

 

A whale shark’s encounter with discarded fishing gear in the Andaman Sea has triggered an urgent rescue mission near Richelieu Rock, a popular diving location in Thailand. The massive creature, measuring between 6 and 7 metres long, was spotted by divers with ropes entangled around its tail, creating a life-threatening situation.

 

Divers aboard the Deep Andaman Queen dive vessel first observed the distressing scene on Sunday. Attempts to relocate the whale shark for rescue have been hindered by poor underwater visibility, though two additional sightings of the entangled shark were reported on the same day.

 

Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, indicated that the ropes are likely remnants of illegal or negligent fishing activities. The situation highlights the dangers marine life faces from indiscriminate fishing practices.

 

In response, a coordinated rescue operation has been assembled, enlisting experts from the Sireetarn Marine Endangered Animals Rescue Centre, the DNP, Chulabhorn Research Institute, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources. The rescue effort has been divided into three teams: one to carefully remove the debris, another to guide the shark, and a third to ensure the safety of both divers and the whale shark.

 

All diving vessels operating around Richelieu Rock have been notified and instructed to maintain a safe distance if the whale shark is spotted, prioritising both diver and animal safety.

 

Officials stress the urgency of the situation as the entanglement poses severe risks to the whale shark, including potential infection, restricted movement, or suffocation. They urge anyone who encounters the shark to report immediately via the 24-hour rescue hotline at 1362.

 

Marine officers note that time is of the essence, with the potential consequences of the entanglement being dire if not promptly addressed.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-05-07

 

 

Lot of (illegal) fishing lines and nets washing up on the beach.