Owner of cargo ship sunk off Phuket liable for all recovery costs
The Phuket News


The cargo ship Sinaran Andaman, registered in Phnom Penh, struck rocks off Koh Hei on Wednesday.

PHUKET: -- Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong has stated that the owner of the cargo ship which sunk off of Koh Hei (Coral Island) on Tuesday (July 7) will be fully responsible for all recovery costs, including the cost of the recovery permit issued by the Marine Office.

However, he also stated that the recovery cannot be carried out until the weather improves. Speaking at a meeting held at Provincial Hall yesterday (July 9) Gov Nisit said, “We will have to check with the Marine Office how much the recovery costs will actually be. It is not only the vessel which needs to be recovered but also the containers.”

“The Marine Office has contacted Sangjareon, the company which hired the vessel to transport the goods and also the vessel owner in Cambodia to discuss the process of recovering everything.

Gov Nisit went on to say that the containers are all packed with frozen seafood products.

“Most of the items in the containers are probably not damaged and will still be in good condition.

“However, many people are concerned that the sunken vessel will damage the marine eco system and our environment.

“I don't think it will affect tourism or the marine eco system because Navy officials and Marine Police are closely monitoring the vessel to ensre that the 7,000 litre of oil stored on it does not leak. No leaks have been reported so far.”

The cargo ship Sinaran Andaman, registered in Phnom Penh, struck rocks off Koh Hei on Wednesday began taking on water and sank . All ten crew members were rescued the same day. (See stories here and here)

Meanwhile, the search for the two missing crewmen from the barge which also sunk off Kao Racha Yai is still ongoing Gov Nisit has confirmed today (July 10).

“Four of the crew have now been found alive ansd safe. However, two other members are still missing.

“The two missing crewmen are young Myanmar nationals and we believe they will be found alive because they are young and strong.

“The Navy have confirmed that they have sent helicopter out today to circle the area where the four other crewmen were found,” he said.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/owner-of-cargo-ship-sunk-off-phuket-liable-for-all-recovery-costs-53147.php

-- Phuket News 2015-07-10

Gov Nisit went on to say that the containers are all packed with frozen seafood products.

“Most of the items in the containers are probably not damaged and will still be in good condition.

No problem just re freeze them after hey have been salvaged, no one will know the difference will they?

The only reason the owner will pay is if it makes financial sense to do so. ie. the value of the

salvaged ship and cargo is greater than the cost of salvage. That or he is well insured.

Not sure what the chances of that are.