Thai authorities are calling the situation “alarming” as reports increase of oil from the sunken cargo vessel Sealloyd Arc reaching beaches and nearshore waters at popular tourist areas off Phuket. Cleanup operations have been underway for 19 days, including the application of dispersants at the wreck site. In the early days after the sinking, winds kept most oil offshore, but conditions later shifted.
The first beach impacts were reported on February 25. Thailand’s Marine Department said it received reports of oil streaks and tar-like residues scattered along roughly 80–100 meters of Kahung Beach on Ko Hey (about five miles southeast of Phuket). Only days earlier, authorities had reported an offshore slick extending about three nautical miles southeast of the wreck, while nearby coral areas such as Ko Kaew Noi were described as clean at that time.
On February 26, additional reports said westerly winds pushed oil into the main tourist zone of Racha Island, including Patok, Tue, Hila and Siam bays. Tar balls and oil clumps were found on beaches and rocky sections, with some residues hardening into larger lumps. Oil staining was also reported on floating offshore platforms.
Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources warned that even small amounts of petroleum toxins can damage coral reefs and may have long-term effects on rare marine species. Cleanup teams were deployed for manual removal of tar balls, and authorities requested cooperation from shops and hotels to support rapid beach cleaning.
Local media reported that contaminated shoreline could total up to 900 meters. Beaches have remained open, but tourists complained that oil residues were sticking to skin, footwear and clothing. Authorities said containment booms were deployed, though reports suggested they may be insufficient to fully prevent shoreline impacts.
Work to tackle leaks directly at the wreck was delayed due to cost negotiations between the shipowner and contracted dive teams. The first dive operations were reported to have begun on February 26.
The 6,500 dwt Sealloyd Arc capsized on February 7 and sank several hours after the Royal Thai Navy and local fishermen rescued 16 crew members. Divers located the wreck at around 61 meters depth, with the top of the aft mast about 14 meters below the surface. Incident managers said the ship carried approximately 98 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and 32 tonnes of marine diesel, as well as 297 containers. Early reports also raised concerns that a number of containers were declared as carrying hazardous materials, prompting heightened monitoring as response efforts continue.
