Thai Navy Rescues Crew from Sinking Boxship Off Phuket | Mariner News

The Royal Thai Navy executed a successful Thai Navy boxship rescue, saving all 16 crewmembers from a sinking container ship off the coast of Phuket. The Panamanian-registered vessel, Sealloyd Arc, issued a distress signal on Saturday, February 7, reporting it was rapidly taking on water and experiencing a severe list. This dramatic maritime incident highlights the critical importance of rapid response in ensuring crew safety at sea.

Swift Response to Vessel Distress

En route from Port Klang to Chattogram, the small containership sent its urgent distress call around 3:20 p.m. local time. The captain reported a quickly worsening situation, prompting immediate “abandon ship” preparations just three miles offshore from southern Phuket. Thai officials launched an immediate emergency response.

All Crew Safely Evacuated as Vessel Sinks

Thanks to swift action, all 16 Bangladeshi crewmembers were rescued uninjured. Eight were initially recovered by a local fishing boat, with a Phuket Provincial Administration patrol boat rescuing the remaining eight, including the captain. The crew was safely transferred ashore, showcasing efficient collaboration during this critical shipping emergency. Despite their efforts, the 115-meter Sealloyd Arc, built in 2005, continued taking on water and ultimately sank at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time. Patrol boats and a reconnaissance aircraft are currently surveying the scene, monitoring for any environmental impact from the 229 containers onboard, underscoring unpredictable challenges in regional shipping.