Vessel MV Sealloyd Arc sinks near Malacca Strait

Incident

On 7 February 2026, the Panama-flagged container vessel MV Sealloyd Arc began taking on water and developed a severe list while sailing approximately 3–4 nautical miles off the southern coast of Phuket, Thailand.

The ship was en-route from Port Klang, Malaysia to Chattogram, Bangladesh when the distress call was made in the afternoon. The Royal Thai Navy, alongside local fishing boats and patrol craft, responded immediately. All 16 Bangladeshi crew members were safely evacuated without any reported injuries and brought ashore in Phuket.

Despite rescue efforts, the 115-metre vessel eventually sank later that evening. The ship was carrying a cargo of approximately 229 containers, including some with hazardous materials, at the time of the incident.

Key details

• Vessel: MV Sealloyd Arc (6,500 dwt)

• Flag: Panama

• IMO number – 8682036

• Length – 115 meter , width – 116 meter

• Call sign - 3E2673

• Crew: 16 (Bangladeshi nationals)

• Outcome: All crew rescued; vessel sank

• Cargo: ~229 containers; 14 reported hazardous

• Environmental: Oil slick and drifting containers reported

Immediate Impacts

• An oil spill extending several miles wide was observed at the scene. While it has not yet reached the coast, authorities are actively deploying containment measures to prevent shoreline contamination and long-term ecological damage.

• Drifting containers, some possibly containing hazardous materials, pose risks to marine life and navigation, prompting warnings to ships in the area.  Above is the image after vessel already sunk .

The Cargo owners needs to  contact their insurance agent and submit required documents for further processing of insurance.