Imagine a serene marine sanctuary, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, suddenly marred by the intrusion of a cargo vessel. This isn’t a scene from a movie but a real incident that unfolded in Thailand’s Mu Koh Surin National Park. On June 1, 2025, the Myanmar-flagged cargo ship MV Ayar Linn ran aground on a coral reef in Ao Jak Bay, causing significant environmental damage. The Thai government is now seeking 12 million baht in compensation for the destruction caused.
The Incident: MV Ayar Linn’s Unfortunate Grounding
The MV Ayar Linn, a wooden cargo vessel weighing approximately 100 tonnes, found itself stranded on the delicate coral reefs of Mu Koh Surin National Park. The ship’s grounding created a 75-meter trail of destruction, severely damaging the reef’s ecosystem. The vessel’s hull crushed and broke various coral species, leaving a lasting scar on the marine environment.
Extent of the Damage: A Closer Look
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) conducted an assessment to determine the extent of the damage. Here’s a breakdown of the impact:
| Coral Species | Percentage of Damage |
|---|---|
| Blue Coral (Heliopora coerulea) | 80% |
| Staghorn Coral (Acropora sp.) | 15% |
| Boulder Coral (Porites lutea) | 5% |
| Brain Coral (Platygyra daedalea) | 4 colonies damaged |
| Cauliflower Coral (Pocillopora) | 3 colonies damaged |
| Star Coral (Leptastrea purpurea) | 1 colony affected |
In total, approximately 150 square meters of coral reef were damaged. The most severe impact was on the blue coral species, which accounted for 80% of the destruction.
Environmental Concerns: Beyond the Coral Damage
The incident’s repercussions extend beyond the immediate coral damage. The MV Ayar Linn was carrying over 3,000 bags of cement, which pose a significant threat if they were to spill into the sea. Additionally, debris such as cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, rubber hoses, and truck tires were scattered across the reef, further endangering the marine ecosystem.
There’s also the looming risk of an oil spill. The vessel had approximately 7,700 liters of diesel onboard. Authorities are working diligently to prevent any leakage, deploying oil containment booms and coordinating with the navy for emergency support.
Legal and Restoration Efforts: Seeking Accountability and Recovery
The Thai government, through the DNP, is pursuing legal action against the ship’s owner, seeking at least 12 million baht in damages. This amount covers:
-
Coral Restoration: Approximately 10 million baht allocated for rehabilitating the damaged reef.
-
Lost Opportunities: Around 1.6 million baht accounting for the loss of tourism and related activities.
-
Operational Costs: About 400,000 baht for the expenses incurred during the assessment and initial recovery efforts.
Recovery operations have been hampered by rough monsoon conditions, delaying salvage efforts. However, authorities are committed to restoring the reef and preventing further environmental degradation.
Conclusion: A Call for Maritime Responsibility
The grounding of the MV Ayar Linn serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between human activities and environmental preservation. As Thailand seeks compensation and works towards restoring its damaged marine sanctuary, this incident underscores the importance of stringent maritime regulations and proactive environmental protection measures.