Bangladesh bound Cargo Ship Sinks Near Phuket; All Crew Rescued

All 16 Bangladeshi crew members were safely rescued on Friday after their cargo vessel, the SEALLOYD ARC, began taking on water and tilting dangerously off the coast of Phuket.

The Panama-flagged ship, which departed Port Klang, Malaysia, on February 5, was en route to Chattogram, Bangladesh, carrying 196 containers. Around 3:30 p.m., the vessel reported a hull breach approximately 1.8 nautical miles southwest of Kaew Noi Island.

The Royal Thai Navy and local maritime authorities launched an immediate rescue operation. Nearby vessels, the Kaimook Andaman 5 and Tungjai Ruay, evacuated the crew and brought them safely to Chalong Pier. No injuries were reported.

While the ship remains afloat, authorities are taking no chances regarding potential fuel leaks. Emergency teams have deployed 440 meters of oil containment booms and 4,000 liters of dispersant around the vessel.

Rear Admiral of the Royal Thai Navy’s Region 5 has ordered a full investigation into the ship’s cargo manifest. Initial checks suggest no hazardous materials are on board, but a formal review is ongoing.

Navy vessels are currently stationed near the ship to stabilize it and prevent it from drifting into shallower waters.