Sealloyd-Arc

Authorities have issued a warning to vessels after a container believed to be from the wreck of the 'Sealloyd Arc' was spotted floating about seven nautical miles southwest of Koh Hu Yong in the Similan Islands area by fishermen on March 8 at 9.45 a.m. The box was painted with the name Toyota and its door dented. Officials coordinated with the marine police and warned shipping in the area. Report with photos: https://www.thephuketnews.com/floating-cargo-container-warning-issued-near-similan-islands-99505.php

The oil contamination after the sinking of the ‘Sealloyd Arc’ was easing, with no new oil spills reported since Feb 27, according to an update from the Incident Command Center on March 5, which continued to monitor sensitive marine areas including Koh Kaew Yao and Koh Racha Kai. Surveys carried out on March 3 and 4 by the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation found limited contamination, mostly in form of thin coatings on rocks and small tar balls scattered along beaches. At the wreck site itself, inspectors occasionally observed thin oil films on the surface, which were dissipating naturally. All residues continued to decrease. On March 3 teams reported small tar balls at Koh Kaew Yai, which were collected and removed. Similar conditions were reported on Koh Racha Yai, particularly at Ao Siam and Ao Patok, where small tar balls were collected. Sorbent booms were deployed to prevent residues from washing back into the sea from rocks. Report with photos: https://www.thephuketnews.com/oil-contamination-from-cargo-wreck-easing-99478.php

Oil from the 'Sealloyd Arc‘ has started washing ashore on the Kahang Beach on Koh Hei. Tar balls and oil slicks came ashpre at sections of the beach. The Thai Maritime Enforememnt Commanc Centre Region 3 deployed teams to Koh Hei to remove the oil from the sand and prevent a further spread. Containment booms were laid out in a bid to stop the slick drifting towards Nai Ham Beach, Rawai Beach and Kata Beach. A diving team descended to the wreck on Feb 26 to seal any leakages. The operation had been delayed for several days due to negotiations between the owner and an underwater survey team over the coasts. The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources was closely monitoring the situation. Officillas from the Racha Islands Protected Area Management Center in Phuket and the Phuet Marine Resource Conservation Center reported visible oil slicks at the wreck site, as well as tar balls scattered along the Kahang Beach on a length of 80-100 metres. The department coordinated with local municipalities, subdistricts administrative organisations and tourism operators to clean affected areas and collect samples for analysis. Efforts were to be continued in the coming days to contain the spill and permanently seal the source of the leakages. Report with photos: https://www.thephuketnews.com/oil-from-cargo-wreck-washes-ashore-koh-hei-99397.php

Seawater quality around Phuket remained safe for the public, with no oil contamination detected at five major beaches following the sinking of the 'Sealloy Arc', accodring to, the Pollution Control Department (PCD). A “War Room” under the Third Naval Area Command was established following the sinking on Feb 7 to coordinate response efforts. Rear Adm Veerudom Muangjeen, chief of the Thai Marine Enforcement Command Center, and Phuket governor Nirat Phongsitthithavorn were overseeing the daily operations. Using OILMAP software, experts tracked the movement of oil slicks from the wreck site. Forecasts showed the slick drifting southwest in the morning, shifting northwest by late afternoon, and eventually moving westward, covering about 7.6 nautical miles on Feb 22. The PCD’s third round of inspections at Rawai, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon beaches found no traces of oil in sand or seawater. Preliminary water quality results remained within Category 4 coastal standards, indicating the water was suitable for recreational activities such as swimming and water sports.

Fuel oil slicks from the 'Sealloyd Arc' off Phuket were dispersing and remained under control, while authorities have confirmed there has been no chemical leakage affecting the marine ecosystem. As of Feb 14, a thin oil layer expanded 1,8 nautical miles from the wrecksite. Small patches of black oil of about one metre width were observed 2,5 miles around the site. Ther slick was dissipating. The government has instructed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to intensify monitoring the coastal seawater quality. The department was supporting the incident command centre, providing academic advice and ensuring safety during salvage operations. The PCD has deployed the OILMAP model to forecast the movement of any oil slicks to assess risks and support response planning. Preliminary assessments indicated that any oil residues were likely to drift westward into open waters. The authorities were also monitoring 14 containers aboard the vessel that contained hazardous substances. The PCD has reviewed the properties and risks associated with the cargo and issued guidelines for dive teams, including identification of hazard symbols, personal protective measures, equipment preparation and procedures to detect potential chemical leaks. The department has advised on the use of oil dispersants and continues to conduct regular coastal water quality inspections. The exact position of the ship has been marked with buoys. A Seafox I mine hunting vehilce was deployed to inspect the oil vents for leakages. The wreck was listing about 10 degrees to starboard side with the keel embedded in mud. Divers were preparing to seal minor leaks. On Feb 13, the patrol boat 'T 272' responded to reports of a half submerged container floating in the Andaman Sea west of Phuket, but could not find it despite a thorough search. The box was presumed to have sunk. Anyone who encountered drifting containers was urged to photograph their location and any hazardous material labels and report the findings via hotlines 1650 (PCD), 1196 (Marine Department) or 1465 (Maritime Enforcement Command Centre). The response was being jointly led by the Marine Department, the Third Naval Area Command, regional maritime enforcement units and provincial marine and coastal resources offices under a single-command structure based on the Incident Command System.

The Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), through its Directorate General of Merchant Marine and in its capacity as the flag state, was conducting a safety investigation in collaboration with the Maritime Administration of Thailand regarding the sinking of the 'Sealloyd Arc'. The causes of the sinking will be determined as the investigation progresses.

On July 23, 2024, at around 4:50 p.m. the Japanese cargo m/v "Seisen Maru" was hit by the 'Hong Jia 11' at the Funabashi Central Pier in Hamamachi, Funabashi City while unloading stainless steel. The 'Hong Jia 11' had loaded a cargo of steel and was about to leave the port, when the incident happened. The Chiba Coast Guard was notified. No injuries or fuel spills have been confirmed.