The Royal Thai Navy has deployed divers to assist Star Petroleum Refining Public Co (SPRC) in clean-up operations and to help repair the company's underwater pipeline that leaked crude oil into waters off Rayong province.
The operation, expected to take 11 days, was launched after the Marine Department on Sunday gave a green light to SPRC to seal the leaks. About 12,000 litres of crude oil remain in the pipeline, a navy source said.
The first leak occurred on Jan 25, releasing some 47,000 litres of crude oil into the sea near Map Ta Phut, before another 5,000 litres were spilled on Feb 10.
Before diving, navy officers will gather aboard the Uniwise Rayong to rehearse the operation and make preparations, the source said.
During clean-up efforts, crews will spray valves with compounds to clear crude oil stuck in the pipeline before sealing the leaks. Each diver will spend 15-20 minutes at a depth of 25-30 metres, he said.
According to SPRC, measures have been put in place to respond to incidents that may occur during the clean-up and repair operation including the deployment of booms and vessels to intercept any new spill.