A major rescue effort is underway off the coast of southern Thailand after a whale shark was spotted entangled in a thick rope near the Surin Islands, a renowned diving destination in the Andaman Sea.
On Sunday, Similan liveaboard operators and marine conservationists reported sighting the whale shark — estimated to be about four to five metres long — trailing a large section of rope wrapped around its body and pectoral fin. Concerned about the animal’s wellbeing, local officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) quickly mobilised a response team to locate and assist the distressed animal.
The Deep Andaman Queen, one of the region’s well-known liveaboard dive boats, was among the first vessels to report the sighting of the entangled whale shark. Crew and divers aboard spotted the animal trailing the rope and immediately alerted the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), providing GPS coordinates and detailed descriptions to aid the search.
Whale shark with entangled rope near Surin Islands — filmed by Blue Dolphin
Divers from the Blue Dolphin were also present in the water with one dive instructor attempting an assessment of the tangled ropes. It was reported the shark was swimming quite calmly at the time, whilst the instructor was preparing his knife to cut the ropes a photographer from another liveaboard started swimming very close to the shark’s head causing the shark to swim faster and descend to around 30 metres depth.
Divers from both Similan liveaboard vessels were soon back in the water with better rope cutting equipment but there was no sign of the whale shark for the rest if the day.
Efforts to find the whale shark have so far been hampered by rough sea conditions and limited sightings. Marine experts are working closely with liveaboard boats in the area to monitor reported locations and guide divers to assess the animal’s condition safely.
Whale sharks, the world’s largest fish species, are generally gentle filter feeders and are protected under Thai law. Sightings of these iconic animals near the Surin and Similan Islands typically delight divers, but the current situation has raised alarm within the conservation community.
The rope, believed to have come from fishing gear or marine debris, poses a serious threat to the whale shark’s health. If not removed, it could cause injury, infection, or restrict the animal’s movement, significantly reducing its chances of survival.
According to officials, the goal is to locate the animal, approach it carefully, and remove the entanglement without causing further harm. Divers with experience in marine animal rescues are on standby, and conservationists are urging tour operators and the public to report any sightings promptly.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns over marine debris and its impact on ocean life in the region. While Thailand has made efforts in recent years to improve marine protection, discarded fishing equipment, plastic waste, and boat traffic continue to pose dangers to marine species, from sea turtles and dugongs to large pelagics like whale sharks.
For now, the focus remains on finding and freeing the entangled whale shark. Marine officials remain hopeful that, with the combined efforts of conservationists, tour operators, and local authorities, the animal will soon be located and successfully rescued.
Anyone visiting the area is asked to remain vigilant and report sightings to the DMCR or local authorities.
