PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities and the Royal Thai Navy worked at full capacity to salvage the stricken freighter SEALLOYD ARC off Phuket, stressing that no dangerous spread of chemicals or oil had so far been detected.
Crisis meeting sets command structure
At a high-level meeting on 19 February, Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn and Vice Admiral Veerudhom Muangchin, director of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) and commander of Royal Thai Navy Region 3, led preparations for the salvage work and the assessment of possible environmental and tourism impacts. The session at the navy’s Region 3 headquarters at Cape Panwa was used to pool information from multiple agencies, adopt measures, and finalise operational and contingency plans.
Multiple agencies coordinate response
Participants included the Phuket Regional Marine Department, Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, Phuket Customs Office, Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, Mangrove Forest Resource Development Station No. 23 (Phuket), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket Office), the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Pollution Control and Environment Office Region 15. Sirinat National Park, Nopparat Thara Beach–Phi Phi Islands National Park, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and Phuket Immigration also took part. Officials said responsibilities and roles had been clearly assigned so that all units acted strictly within their legal mandates.
Listing vessel and 14 hazardous containers
Vice Admiral Veerudhom reported that the vessel was currently listing by about 10 degrees and that the overall situation was considered under control but under close observation, especially because of 14 containers carrying cargo classified as hazardous. These containers held chemicals such as hydrogen resin and ethyl alcohol, and the director of the Pollution Control and Environment Office Region 15 confirmed that no spread of these substances on the sea surface and no large-scale environmental damage had yet been detected.
Risk assessment for coastal communities
Officials sought to reassure the public about health and safety.
“If the public keeps a safe distance from the area, there is no danger,”
said local authorities, calling on fishers and residents not to worry excessively. At the same time, recovered cargo containing dangerous substances was being removed from the affected sea area as a high priority to further reduce remaining risks.
Small oil film detected off Laem Phromthep
About three nautical miles off Laem Phromthep, a small but clearly visible black oil film was discovered, which authorities classified as lying within the usual monitoring range, noting that the emergency response system had already been activated. Initial containment and clean-up measures were launched, while teams worked in parallel to seal the ship’s oil line and prevent any further leakage.
Phased salvage under time pressure
The salvage mission was divided into clearly defined operational phases, each backed by emergency scenarios in case conditions changed. Authorities pointed out that a seasonal shift in sea and weather conditions expected in April could increase risks, meaning key steps in the operation needed to be completed as quickly as possible.
Daily reviews and environmental monitoring
After the meeting, Governor Nirat, Vice Admiral Veerudhom, Rewat Areerob, president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, Adul Ralukmoon, director of the Phuket Regional Marine Department, Ratree Suksuwan, director of the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, Jutamas Prajak, deputy director of the TAT Phuket Office, and Parimes Charoennopakhun, a senior environmental specialist at the Pollution Control and Environment Office 15, briefed the press together. Nirat underlined that while the main responsibility for operational control lay with Maritime Security Command Region 3, the province of Phuket had integrated all local units and was assessing the situation on a daily basis to adapt action plans to new information.
Tourism and economy remain unaffected
The Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office stated there were currently no significant cancellations that would economically affect the province, and that tourist activities were proceeding as normal. Authorities said they were maintaining close contact with tourism businesses to ensure reliable information and to protect Phuket’s image as a safe travel destination.
Costs, liability and long-term safeguards
Officials also confirmed that the shipowner had appointed representatives in the country to act as official coordinators, and that insurance was expected to cover all costs incurred so that the state budget would not be additionally burdened. All agencies involved reaffirmed their commitment to complete the salvage within the planned timeframe and, supported by pre-arranged emergency plans, to safeguard natural resources and marine ecosystems as well as the province’s economy and tourism image.