At a high-level meeting held yesterday (Feb 19), Nirat Pongsitthaworn, Governor of Phuket, joined Veerudhom Muangchin, Director of Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai-MECC 3) and Commander of Royal Thai Navy Region 3, who is serving as incident commander for the SEALLOYD ARC sinking, to prepare for the salvage operation and assess potential environmental and tourism impacts.
The meeting took place at the Royal Thai Navy Region 3 Headquarters at Cape Panwa and brought together a wide range of agencies to integrate information, define measures and finalise operational plans, including contingency scenarios.
Participating agencies included the Phuket Regional Marine Department, Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, Phuket Customs Office, the Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center, the Mangrove Forest Resource Development Station No. 23 (Phuket), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket Office), the Phuket Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, the Pollution Control and Environment Office Region 15, Sirinat National Park, Nopparat Thara Beach–Phi Phi Islands National Park, the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and Phuket Immigration Office. Officials said roles and responsibilities had been clearly defined to ensure all units operate strictly within their legal authority.
Vice Adm Veerudhom reported that the vessel is currently listing at approximately 10 degrees. Although the overall situation remains under control, close monitoring is continuing, particularly of 14 containers classified as carrying dangerous goods.
The containers were found to contain chemicals including hydrogen resin and ethyl alcohol. The Director of Pollution Control and Environment Office Region 15 confirmed that there has been no spread of these substances across the water surface and no widespread environmental impact.
“If the public keeps a safe distance from the area, there will be no danger,” officials said, urging fishermen and residents not to be overly concerned.
A small, clear black oil slick was detected about three nautical miles off Laem Phromthep. Authorities described the slick as within a monitoring range and said an emergency response system had already been activated. Initial containment and clean-up operations have been carried out, while efforts are underway to seal the vessel’s oil pipeline and prevent further leakage.
Officials are also expediting plans to recover all containers carrying hazardous goods from the area.
The salvage mission has been divided into clear operational phases, each supported by contingency plans in case conditions change. Authorities noted that a seasonal shift in sea conditions expected in April could increase risk levels, making it necessary to complete key stages of the operation as soon as possible.
Following the meeting, a press conference was held with Gov Nirat and Vice Adm Veerudhom joined by Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob; Phuket Regional Marine Department Director Adul Ralukmoon; Upper Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research Center Director Ratree Suksuwan; Deputy Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Jutamas Prajak; and Senior Environmental Specialist Parimes Charoennopakhun from Pollution Control and Environment Office 15.
Gov Nirat stressed that while primary authority for controlling the incident lies with the Maritime Security Command Region 3, Phuket Province has integrated all local units to provide full support. He said the situation is being assessed daily, with operational plans adjusted according to updated information.
Sea water and beach quality are being continuously monitored, with results to date remaining within standard and safe limits, he added.
On the economic front, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket Office confirmed that there have been no significant cancellations affecting the province. Tourism activities continue as normal, and officials are maintaining close communication with tourism operators to ensure accurate information is shared.
Authorities also confirmed that the vessel’s owners have appointed representatives in Thailand to serve as official coordinators and that insurance coverage is in place to cover all related expenses, preventing any burden on the government budget.
All agencies involved reaffirmed their commitment to completing the operation within the set timeframe, with contingency plans ready to address any emerging risks, in order to protect Phuket’s natural resources, marine ecosystems, economy and tourism image.