A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship bound for Chattogram, Bangladesh, has sunk in waters off the coast of Phuket, Thailand. The incident occurred on Saturday, 7 February, at approximately 3:30 pm local time in deep waters near the island.
The vessel, named MV Siloed Ark, measured 115 metres in length and was carrying 297 containers loaded with goods consigned to Bangladeshi importers. The ship had departed from Port Klang, Malaysia, on 5 February, just two days prior to the accident.
According to Md. Muktul Hossain, manager of Bangladeshi agents Alvi Lines, the ship suddenly listed sharply to starboard roughly four nautical miles off Phuket. Within minutes, it capsized and began to sink. Recognising the severity of the situation, the vessel’s captain immediately ordered all crew to abandon ship.
A swift rescue operation ensued. A nearby fishing boat and the Thai Navy responded rapidly, successfully rescuing all 16 crew members. The survivors have been accommodated in a hotel in Phuket, where they are undergoing medical examinations and observation.
Key details of the incident are summarised in the table below:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | MV Siloed Ark |
| Length | 115 metres |
| Flag | Panama |
| Departure Date & Port | 5 February, Port Klang, Malaysia |
| Destination | Chattogram Port, Bangladesh |
| Number of Containers | 297 |
| Incident Date & Time | 7 February, 3:30 pm |
| Location of Sinking | 4 nautical miles off Phuket coast |
| Crew Rescued | 16 |
Thai authorities, in coordination with the Bangladeshi agents, have launched investigations into the cause of the sinking, the value of the lost cargo, and the potential environmental impact. Early assessments indicate that such incidents are often triggered by sudden weather changes, navigational errors, or mechanical failures.
Maritime experts have described the sinking as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities along Southeast Asia’s busy shipping routes. They emphasise the necessity of strict adherence to navigational protocols, regular maintenance of ship machinery, and continuous monitoring of weather conditions to safeguard both crew and cargo.
The MV Siloed Ark incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by vessels transiting the vital commercial waterways connecting Malaysia, Thailand, and Bangladesh—routes that, while crucial to regional trade, remain sensitive to unforeseen maritime hazards.