Pattaya —
The Pattaya Marine Department confirmed today, December 7th, that the derelict shipwreck causing olfactory and visual pollution near the Bali Hai Pier will be relocated as soon as this week.
The partially submerged vessel, which has been anchored to the Bali Hai Pier’s walkway railing for months, has been a source of unpleasant odor and obstruction to water traffic, according to ship operators and travelers.
The issue was first brought to light in November by ship captains and visitors who complained to the ship’s owner and relevant authorities. Despite their efforts, no action was taken until the intervention of the Marine Department.
Mr. Ekkrach Kantharo, the director of the 6th Regional Marine Department in Pattaya, confirmed with The Pattaya News that the “Rungworawan 7” ship will be relocated as soon as this week. He explained that the vessel was deregistered on February 27th, 2023, due to the owner’s failure to renew its license. The Marine Department had previously notified the owner about the expired license in July, but no action was taken so far.
The ship, previously registered as a passenger vessel with a capacity of 200, ceased operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently abandoned.
Mr. Ekkrach warned owners of abandoned vessels that if their vessels, particularly fishing boats, pose safety risks or environmental pollution, owners can get a fine of up to 10,000 baht, imprisonment of up to 6 months, or both.
It was not immediately clear where or how the abandoned boat would be relocated to. Nor was it clear if the owner of the boat would face any aforementioned legal charges or incur the costs of moving the vessel.
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