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

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Picture courtesy of TNA

 

A Myanmar-flagged cargo ship, the MV. AYAR LINN, has run aground on a coral reef within Mu Ko Surin National Park, leading the Department of National Parks (DNP) to demand compensation exceeding 12 million baht. The incident inflicted severe damage on approximately 150 square meters of coral reef, notably affecting vital species such as blue coral, staghorn, and boulder coral.

 

The accident left debris, including cardboard and tires, strewn across the reef, further complicating recovery efforts in this ecologically sensitive marine area. DNP Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa has committed to pursuing comprehensive legal action against the ship’s owners, involving both criminal and civil proceedings.

 

The compensation claim breaks down into roughly 10 million baht earmarked for coral restoration, 1.6 million baht for lost ecological opportunities, and 400,000 baht to cover operational costs incurred by the incident.

 

Authorities are currently developing a meticulous salvage plan to extract the vessel while minimising further damage to the reef. Additionally, experts are being consulted to design a long-term rehabilitation strategy for the affected coral ecosystem. This incident underscores the critical need for stringent marine protection measures and accountability for environmental impacts.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from TNA 2025-06-04