Regional News
Abandoned Cruise Ship “Ocean Dream” Sinks in Laem Chabang, Thailand
The cruise ship which was abandoned in Chonburi sea by its Chinese owner was seen to take in water yesterday by fishermen.
Fishermen immediately reported the cruise ship to authorities at the Marine Department’s Marine Safety Centre, as it was inclining to the left side.
Authorities tried to stabilise the vessel back to its position, and were working out a plan to have it repaired, however the vessel later sank off about two kilometres off the Laem Chabang coast.
The authorities are investigating the root cause of the accident and will open a lawsuit for the costs of wreck removal to the shipowner.
Vice Admiral Rangsarit Satayanukul, Commander of the Navy First Fleet has ordered a Navy plane to fly to the scene to see if the vessel was leaking oil as he feared it could pose environmental threat.
The ship was to depart for China over a year ago, but instead, was anchored off the Laem Chabang coast and seemed to be abandoned and with no crew or maintenance.
The Chinese owners were asked to move the ship out from Thai waters, but never responded to the authorities demands.
The cruise ship Ocean Dream operated under the flag of Panama and managed by Shanghai Eastime Ship Management. Ocean Dream was built in 1972 at Fincantieri Riva Trigoso shipyard in Italy.