Phuket –
Maritime authorities in Phuket, supported by the Royal Thai Navy, successfully rescued all 16 crew members from the Panama-flagged cargo vessel SEALLOYD ARC after the ship began taking on water southwest of Kaew Noi Island.
Maritime authorities told the Phuket Express that the vessel, a dry cargo/container ship, reported flooding around 3:30 p.m. approximately 1.8 nautical miles from shore. Preliminary assessments suggest a hull breach allowed seawater to enter. Rescue operations were swift, with nearby vessels Kaimook Andaman 5 and Tungjai Ruay transferring the crew safely to Chalong Pier. Officials confirmed that no injuries or fatalities occurred.
Rear Admiral, Commander of Naval Region 5, directed the Phuket Marine Office to investigate the ship’s route, cargo manifest, and whether hazardous materials were onboard. The SEALLOYD ARC had departed Port Klang, Malaysia, on February 5, bound for Chittagong, Bangladesh, carrying 196 containers.
Early checks indicate no dangerous goods, though authorities are coordinating with the ship’s representatives for further confirmation.
To mitigate environmental risks, emergency teams deployed 440 meters of oil containment booms and 4,000 liters of dispersant solution. The Royal Thai Navy has also positioned vessels to stabilize the stricken ship and guide it toward a deep-sea port, reducing the risk of fuel leakage and coastal impact.
Officials explained that the vessel has not yet sunk and remains under close monitoring. Joint efforts between the Marine Department, Navy, and local agencies continue to focus on both crew safety and environmental protection.
