Updated: [July 11, 2008 ] :: 14:44:52

ASPHALT SHIP RUNS AGROUND ON KRAM ISLAND

On July 10, 2008, a tanker inbound for Bangkok from Rayong, laden with over 1,000 tons of asphalt, ran aground near Kang Kao cave on turtle-sanctuary Kram Island in heavy seas, damaging the ship‘s bow and provoking an oil and asphalt spill alert. However, a naval inspection team later reported no cargo had leaked from the ship and there was no danger to the turtles.

An environmental-hazard warning was sent on July 10 to the commanding officer of Sattahip Naval Base, Vice Admiral Chaiwat Pukarat, informing him that, around 3.15 am, an oil tanker belonged to Alfa Maritime had run aground on Kram Island in heavy weather. A special naval team was then sent to investigate the incident at latitude 12N40, longitude 100E46. Thankfully, there was no spillage of the 62 metre-long ship's cargo of 1,051.927 tons of asphalt.

Mr. Utai Palasri, the ship's captain, said around 2 am he had run the ship out of Rayong's IRPC Refinery Plant, bound for Bangkok. At the time, there was a heavy thunderstorm and due to poor visibility, the ship had run aground on Kram Island, at around 3.15 am. Although the bow was damaged, the interior remained intact and a subsequent diver-inspection reported no spillage. With the high tide, later, the vessel was tugged successfully back to sea and will anchor off Hard So Beach, to conduct repairs before setting sail again for Bangkok.

Source: Pattaya Daily News

and there was no danger to the turtles.

Something to be thankful for.

Moss