Thailand - Shipwreck Log

On the early morning of June 5, the 339 meter long tanker Phoenix Jamnagar (IMO: 9828962) released pollution was unloading crude oil at a mooring off the coast of Si Racha District (13°04.225′ N, 100°46.815′ E) in Chonburi, Thailand. During the unloading a severe storm struck the area. The tanker was hit with strong winds and waves causing the Phoenix Jamnagar drift away from the mooring.

The tanker’s protection system automatically decoupled the Phoenix Jamnagar from the pipeline. Unfortunately, after the two disconnected there was a leak in the pipeline system and some 20,000 litres (approximately 5 tons) of crude oil was released into the sea. The leak was eventually stopped but the process took 30 minutes to complete.

Authorities reported the incident has caused a 10 meter oil slick. A response team quickly deployed containment booms around the spill with one at 300 meters and another at 600 meters. A skimmer device was used to suction off the oil on the surface. An aerial survey the next day found no visible oil pollution in the area.

There were no visible damage to the Phoenix Jamnagar or to the pipeline. There were no injuries to any crew during the incident. Authorities have stated the mechanism performed as expected and the oil pollution released was accidental caused by unexpected stormy weather.

Ayar Linn

June 4, 2025 Paul Hancock

On June 1, the 100 gt cargo vessel Ayar Linn ran aground in the Indian Ocean in Jak bay in the northern end of the Mu Ko Surin National Park in the Surin Islands, Thailand. The Ayar Linn had departed from Ranong with a cargo of consumer goods bound for ports in Myanmar. While en route to Mergui, the crew discovered the vessel had suffered water ingress caused by a leak in the bilge. Unable to make repairs and control the water ingress, the crew steered the vessel towards shore. All seven crew members of the Avar Linn were rescued. No reports of injuries.

The Avar Linn wasn’t able to reach shore, but instead ran aground on the coral reef. The cargo vessel drove some 75 meters into the reef destroying some 150 square meters of corals. Thai authorities stated the Avar Linn had 7700 litres of diesel fuel on board. An initial inspection found there was no pollution released, but officials have concerns that any fuel released would do significant ecological damage to the reef.

NP Bangpakong

March 26, 2025 Paul Hancock

On March 25, the 100 meter long, 3996 dwt LPG tanker NP Bangpakong (IMO: 9020455) ran aground in the Gulf of Thailand on the island of Koh Larn, near Pattaya City, Thailand. The tanker had departed from Bang Pakong District to Map Ta Phut Port when it veered onto a rocky outcrop to avoid colliding with a fishing vessel.

An initial inspection of the NP Bangpakong found there were no damage to the cargo tanks. A tugboat was requested to pull the tanker free off the rocks. Authorities state the NP Bangpakong will undergo an inspection for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution released.