Sealloyd-Arc

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.