Oil tanker's sinking creates oil spill off coast of Thailand

SAMUT SAKHON (Thailand) - An oil spill was created off the coast of Thailand near the area where an oil tanker sank on Tuesday, according to a local news agency.

The ship sank near the Maha Chai Gulf in Samut Sakhon province, Bernama quoted the Thai News Agency as reporting.

The ensuing spill has spread and already affected local fishermen in the coast of Pak Klong Pramong. The tanker sank about 3km to 4km from the coast.

Thai marine official Surachai Burapanontachai was quoted by Bernama as saying that the incident happened when the tanker was heading to dock. It was carrying 30,000 to 60,000 litres of oil sludge. He also said the five crew members on board were safely rescued.

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