Marine Department official in Phuket have been asked to check ships which have sailed past the popular island in the past seven days, to discover whether any of them illegally discharged engine or bunker oil into the sea, after oil slicks were found on several beaches.

The slicks were found washed ashore on Mai Khao, Nai Thorn, Nai Yang and La Yan beaches in Thalang district on Friday, prompting officials to launch a clean-up.

Apichai Ekvanakun, deputy director-general of the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, said yesterday (Saturday) that he ordered officials to investigate immediately after he received a report of the presence of oil on several beaches.

He said that samples of the oil were collected and sent for analysis, to determine whether they are bunker or engine oil, adding that he also ordered an assessment of the damage caused.

A young green sea turtle, covered with oil, was found on the beach in front of Angsana Laguna Hotel in Thalang district. The turtle, which weighs only about 100g, was rescued and taken to the rare marine species rescue centre to have the oil removed before it is released back into the sea.

Apichai also said that he has advised tourists to avoid entering the sea where the oil slicks were found.