The Royal Thai Navy rescued all 16 Bangladeshi crewmembers from the small containership Sealloyd Arc after it reported rapid flooding and later sank around three miles off Thailand’s southern coast near Phuket. All crew were brought ashore without injuries, while authorities shifted to spill response, container recovery, and salvage planning.
The 6,500 t dwt vessel sent a distress call at about 3:20 p.m. local time on Saturday, 7 February, warning it was taking on water and developing a severe list. The master told maritime authorities the situation was worsening quickly and that the crew was preparing to abandon the ship.
Rescue efforts involved both local and government assets. A nearby fishing boat recovered eight crewmembers, and a patrol boat from the Phuket Provincial Administration picked up the remaining eight, including the master. The fishing vessel later transferred its survivors to the government craft, which transported the full group to shore.
Officials continued monitoring the ship as an emergency response was organized. The 115 m container vessel sank at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time. Built in 2005 and originally operated in China, the ship was acquired by Singapore-based Sea Lloyd Shipping Lines in September 2025 and was registered in Panama.
At the time of the casualty, Sealloyd Arc was sailing from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Chattogram, Bangladesh, with 229 containers onboard, including 14 declared on the manifest as hazardous cargo. Some containers reportedly went down with the vessel, while others remain afloat. Authorities also reported an oil spill extending westward about 4.5 miles and more than one mile wide, with no oil reaching the coast so far. Patrol boats and a reconnaissance aircraft remain on scene as teams work to contain the slick, tag and recover drifting containers, and prepare urgent salvage plans.
