The oil slick in the sea off the eastern coast of Thailand. (Photo source: Royal Thai Navy)

Bangkok – The Thai government has ordered the Royal Thai Navy to join efforts to rescue an oil tanker operated by a unit of Chevron Corp that was damaged earlier this week during a routine maintenance in the Gulf of Thailand.

According to government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri, the Navy will focus on helping the crew in plugging a leak that has led to water seeping into the hull of the ship, adding that they will also take steps to prevent oil spill as the tanker is carrying 400,000 barrels of crude oil

Sea water seeped into FSO Bechamas 2 on March 14 following the explosion of a machine during the routine maintenance.

One crew member was killed in the explosion, while the remaining 28 members are safe and the ship was in a steady condition, Anucha said.

The official said that the vessel is now 200km from Sattahip naval base in the eastern province of Chon Buri.

The spokesman confirmed that the Navy will assist in recovering the body of the deceased crew member and be ready to respond in the event of an oil spill, noting that no report about a crude oil leak has been released.