(TAN): A large chunk of an island near Koh Phi Phi in southern Thailand has broken off and collapsed on top of a coral reef at a popular dive site, said media reports.
No one was around during the incident, but national park officers on a routine patrol reportedly noticed a section of the island had broken off and saw two large sections of rock above the water.
There has been considerable rain in the region over the past two months. Koh Phi Phi National Park chief, Prayoon Phongphan said to the media, “The broken rock weighs between 30,000 and 50,000 tonnes…. We believe the rock was broken by strong winds and waves brought by a storm last week.”
The spot, Koh Mae Urai, located between Koh Phi Phi and Krabi, is a unique local dive spot with two tunnels lined with soft and hard corals, according to Lonely Planet. When the current isn’t too strong and the visibility is good, Koh Mae Urai is “the most beautiful dive site in the Ao Nang area with a number of soft coral as well as seahorses,” according to Krabi Magazine.
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Phongphan said that the reef was home to some important corals, including the staghorn coral. As many as 20% coral around the island might have been damaged by the falling rocks, he said. Divers are examining the extent of damage, said reports.
The area around the island has been closed and boat operators are warned not to approach the site until marine officials can inspect the island’s structure and be sure of the safety for divers and visitors.
