Phuket: The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has issued a warning to avoid approaching the containers following the shipwreck off the coast of Phuket. The advisory cautions people against approaching or interacting with potentially hazardous containers that may have come from the cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC, which sank near Koh Kaew Noi.
According to Thai News Agency, the PCD’s public advisory stresses maintaining a distance of at least 50 meters from any containers found on beaches. The advisory, signed by Mr. Surin Worakitthamrong, Director-General of the PCD, prohibits opening or touching any spilled material to minimize exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals. This announcement, dated February 10, 2026, was issued under the authority of Section 32 of the Administrative Procedure Act B.E. 2534 (1991) and its amendments.
The shipwreck occurred on February 7, 2026, when the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC sank southwest of Koh Kaew Noi, Phuket Province. The ship, measuring 113 meters in length and 16 meters in width, went down at a depth of approximately 61 meters. The PCD has also noted that the ship was slightly tilted, and the surrounding seabed was sandy and muddy. The incident resulted in some of the 297 containers on board scattering and floating in the vicinity, potentially containing hazardous materials.
The PCD has outlined specific guidelines for the public:
– Maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters from suspicious containers. Unauthorized individuals, including tourists, are strictly prohibited from approaching them.
– Do not attempt to open containers, especially those marked with hazard symbols.
– Avoid contact with any spilled liquids, oils, or chemicals to prevent skin absorption or corrosion.
– Refrain from smoking or creating sparks in the area.
– Avoid using engines in areas with noticeable chemical odors due to the flammable nature of many chemicals.
The PCD urges cooperation from the public in reporting sightings of such containers. People are encouraged to photograph the containers and their signage, if any, and report the location to authorities via the Pollution Control Department hotline 1650, the Marine Department 1196, or the Maritime Security Command Center 1465.
The PCD emphasizes that adherence to these guidelines is crucial for preventing hazardous chemical spills and ensuring the safety of both the public and the environment. The department is coordinating with relevant agencies to monitor the situation and manage the scattered containers effectively.