Phuket canal blackened by boat engine soot, not oil spill

In an incident that raised environmental concerns, black water appeared in Klong Tha Jeen on the east side of Phuket Town. The Phuket Marine Office traced the source of the black water to soot from a boat engine, specifically from a vessel named Jovana.

Incident Overview

The incident occurred on July 23, around 11 am, when black water was reported near the Sikit boatyard. Initial fears suggested a significant oil spill, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Investigation and Findings

Upon arrival at the boatyard located on Srisuthat Road in Ratsada, officers engaged with the boatyard's owner. The owner provided a detailed account of the events leading to the incident. Around 10 am, the Jovana was brought in for repair and maintenance, including preparations for painting and other improvements.

High Tide Complications:
The owner explained that complications arose due to the high tide while maneuvering the Jovana into the boatyard. To prevent the vessel from slipping and potentially damaging other moored boats, the operator had to rev the engine significantly. This action caused a considerable amount of soot to disperse into the water, resulting in the observed black stains.

Despite efforts to secure the Jovana, the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, leaving a noticeable environmental impact.

Official Response and Next Steps

The Phuket Marine Office has planned to summon the boat owner and operator for further questioning to understand the full scope of the incident. Meanwhile, they issued an order to cease the use of the boat until all necessary repairs are completed to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Related Environmental Concerns

In a related incident, Thai police investigated the appearance of black water at a beach in Rayong. The investigation revealed a foul odor but no dead marine life, suggesting that wastewater might have flowed into the sea following heavy rainfall over the past week.

The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, along with the Eastern Gulf of Thailand Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center and the Rayong Marine and Coastal Resources Office, conducted an environmental quality inspection at the site to assess the situation further.

Conclusion

The black water incident in Klong Tha Jeen highlights the importance of proper maintenance and environmental precautions in marine operations. Authorities are taking steps to address the issue and prevent future occurrences.