The Sealloyd Arc, operating under the Panamanian flag, sank off the coast of the Phuket island chain on February 7. Thai authorities report that the vessel leaked approximately 1,700 liters of oil into the ocean, resulting in pollution of well-known tourist beaches. The ship was en route from Malaysia to Bangladesh when it sent a distress signal due to water entering its hull, leading to its eventual sinking at a depth of about 60 meters.

Local residents have taken action to clean up the oil that has washed ashore on beaches such as Ya Nui Beach and Banana Beach on Koh Hey island. They are using tools like rakes and buckets to collect the spilled oil, which poses a significant threat to the area's environment and marine life. The incident not only impacts the local ecosystem but could also have repercussions for tourism in the region, as the beaches are popular destinations for both local and international visitors.

As cleanup efforts continue, the environmental agencies and local government are likely to monitor the situation closely to assess the damage caused by the oil spill and to implement measures to mitigate its effects. The incident raises concerns about maritime safety and the importance of maintaining environmental protections to prevent such occurrences in the future.