The Pollution Control Department has issued a warning prohibiting the public from approaching containers marked with hazardous materials following the sinking of the cargo ship "SEALLOYD ARC" in Phuket.
On 11 Feb 2026, the Pollution Control Department released a notice providing recommendations for the public upon seeing containers carrying hazardous materials from the Panama-flagged cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC, which sank. The incident occurred on 7 Feb 2026 at approximately 15:30. The dry cargo/container ship SEALLOYD ARC, weighing 4,339 gross tons, 113 meters long and 16 meters wide, sank southwest of Koh Kaeo Noi, Phuket. The wreck lies at a depth of 61 meters at coordinates latitude 7° 43.88" N, longitude 98° 16.62" E. The seabed consists of sandy mud, and the ship rests slightly tilted. The ship was carrying 297 containers. After sinking, some containers floated and scattered around the location.
Therefore, for public safety, when encountering containers carrying hazardous materials from the Panama-flagged cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC that sank, the department offers these guidelines for the public in case such containers are found.
The Director-General of the Pollution Control Department, under the authority of Section 32 of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments, issued recommendations and procedures for encountering containers on beaches or at sea with unknown origins as follows.
1. Do not approach suspicious containers; maintain a minimum distance of 50 meters. The public, tourists, and unauthorized personnel are prohibited from getting closer.
2. Do not open suspicious containers found on beaches or at sea, especially those marked with hazard symbols as detailed in the appendix of this announcement.
3. Do not touch or handle any liquids, oil stains, or chemical lumps leaking from containers, as these may be corrosive or substances that can be absorbed through the skin.
4. Do not smoke or perform any actions that might cause sparks or flames near the area, as many chemicals in these containers are highly flammable. Also, avoid using engines where chemical odors are present.
5. The public is requested to cooperate by photographing any containers found, including any hazard symbols (if present) and the location. Please contact the relevant authorities via hotlines 1650 (Pollution Control Department), 1196 (Marine Department), or 1465 (National Maritime Security Operations Center).