Fears grow as oil slick from sunken cargo ship threatens marine life and Phuket tourism

*Authorities are closely monitoring the movement of the oil slick and assessing long-term damage to marine resources. Local residents and businesses are also keeping a close watch, concerned about the potential impact on Phuket's tourism reputation.*

Published: 2026-03-14 16:34 UTC Event date: developing

A major oil spill from the sunken cargo ship SEALLOYD ARC is threatening marine life and tourism in Phuket after large patches of black oil began washing ashore at popular beaches in recent days. The Panama-flagged vessel went down off Koh Kaew Noi on February 7, 2026, with more than 90 tonnes of fuel oil on board and 297 containers in its hold.

By February 25, oil clumps had started appearing on the beaches of Koh Hey (Coral Island), Koh Kaew Phitsadan, and surrounding areas, sparking concerns among environmental officials and local tourism businesses. The spill has already had visible effects on marine life, with crabs along the shoreline found coated in oil and struggling to reach dry land, signaling growing damage to the coastal ecosystem.

Rear Admiral Weerudom Muangchin, Director of the Thai Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center (Thai-MECC) Region 3, has mobilized a Shoreline Cleanup team made up of multiple agencies to remove oil from Koh Hey’s beach. The operation aims to limit further harm to marine resources and the environment, as well as to protect public and tourist safety. Authorities are also monitoring the movement of the oil slick and evaluating the potential long-term impact on marine resources.

Phuket, a key tourist destination that recently set a new daily record of 393 flights and over 71,000 passengers, is particularly vulnerable to disruptions from environmental disasters. Local residents and business owners are expressing concern about the potential impact on the island’s reputation and economy, especially as the high season for tourism is underway.

Efforts to address the crisis include the establishment of a situation command centre to coordinate the salvage of the SEALLOYD ARC and manage the response to hazardous materials on board. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has also warned of the risks posed by the ship’s containers, some of which may contain hazardous substances.

Relevant agencies have pledged to restore affected areas to normal as quickly as possible and are urging the public to report any sightings of oil slicks or affected wildlife for prompt action. The ongoing cleanup and monitoring efforts will be critical in minimizing the environmental and economic impact on Phuket. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the situation develops and as assessments of the damage and recovery needs continue.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40063075