RAYONG fishermen found traces of crude oil floating on the surface of the water about 10 nautical miles off Map Ta Phut Port with this being the very spot where 50,000 liters of oil leaked into the sea in July 2013, Matichon newspaper said today (May 16).
Abhichai Klaikaew, director of the Regional Harbor Authority Rayong branch, said initial investigation showed a 156,975 gross-ton oil tanker named Melody registered in Siberia was anchored near the coast and transferred crude oil via a pipeline to two companies on shore.
He added that he is currently collecting evidence and photos of the spill to take legal action against the oil tanker which has now sailed away.
Miss Nalinee Kanjanamai, director of Map Ta Phut Port Authority, said discussion with PTT Global Chemical Plc (PTTGC) revealed that crude oil was transferred ashore from the tanker during May 13-15 with this being done in conjunction with SPRC.
She added that PTTGC is following normal steps and its boats have checked along the coast but have not spotted any spill.
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Top: A traces of crude oil which Rayong fishermen spotted is inset in this image showing a fishing boat off the coast of Rayong. Photo: Matichon
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