Accident Myanmar Cargo Vessel Sinks Off Phang Nga After Running Aground

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A Myanmar-flagged cargo vessel, MV AYAR LINN, has partially sunk off the coast of Phang Nga after springing a leak and running aground in the northern part of the Surin Islands National Park. All seven Myanmar crew members were safely rescued, while officials race to assess potential damage to the surrounding coral reefs.

 

The incident occurred on 2 June, at approximately 10:00 when the vessel, weighing 100 gross tons, was grounded in the shallow waters of Ao Chak, north of the Surin Islands. The ship was under the command of Mr Aung Ngwe Soe, 50, with the owner identified as Mr Ko Soe Thin B, based in Yangon.

 

The vessel had earlier departed from Koh Mok Pier in Ranong province on 29 May, following a request to dock and load consumer goods on 23 May. After delivering cargo to its first destination in Kawthaung, Myanmar, where one crew member disembarked, the ship continued towards Myeik. During this leg, a hull breach was discovered.

 

To protect the crew, the captain steered the vessel towards the nearest accessible shore, which resulted in the grounding near the Surin Islands. The Royal Thai Navy’s Third Naval Area Command dispatched the HTMS Mat Phon and marine security units stationed in the Surin Islands to assist the stricken vessel.

 

By the afternoon, the ship was taking on water rapidly and HTMS Mat Phon was unable to reach the vessel directly due to shallow waters. The MV AYAR LINN subsequently sank slowly, with some cargo drifting away on the tide while the rest underwater within the ship.

 

A joint response team comprising navy personnel, marine police, national park officers and inflatable boat units evacuated the crew safely to HTMS Mat Phon, which transported them to the Third Naval Area Base in Phang Nga.

 

An inspection by authorities confirmed that the vessel had proper documentation, including ship registration, crew manifest, customs clearance and a cargo manifest. It was also carrying 7,700 litres of fuel stored in secure containers. No oil spills were observed, although further monitoring is planned.

 

The Surin Islands National Park is leading an environmental assessment, with divers scheduled to inspect the coral reefs. All floating debris will also be recovered to minimise environmental impact.

 

Meanwhile, the seven crew members are being held for questioning at the Surin Islands National Park office in Kuraburi district. Legal proceedings are underway, including formal charges and the seizure of relevant materials, with the case being handed over to the Kuraburi Police Station.

 

The Marine Department’s Regional Office 5 in Phang Nga has issued orders prohibiting navigation in the immediate area, mandating the salvage of the wreck and alerting nearby vessels to navigate with caution. Coordination is ongoing with the Ranong Port Security Centre and relevant Myanmar representatives.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-06-03.

 

 

 

[Georgealbert]

Update is here:

 

Cargo Ship Incident Spurs Legal Action for Coral Damage in Mu Ko Surin