Thailand, Similan Islands: Navigation Hazard from Floating Shipping Containers

Source: Phuket News

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 (Thai MECC3) reported that one of the containers was sighted on March 31 after the Phang Nga Port Security Control received a notification from a local fishing network.

The container marked “Hyundai” was found floating west of Koh Hu Yong in the waters of Similan Islands National Park. Officials confirmed no cargo was seen leaking or escaping from the container. The sighting followed an earlier alert on Friday March 27 when the Hyundai container and another blue, unmarked container were spotted southwest of Koh Hu Yong, about 10 nautical miles offshore.

The container sightings come amid ongoing efforts to manage the aftermath of the February 2026 sinking of the cargo vessel “Sealloyd ARC which went down southwest of Phuket Island. Authorities have been tracking floating debris from the wreck, including containers that may have broken free and drifted with ocean currents.

The cargo ship Sealloyd ARC sinking off the coast of Phuket Island, Thailand in February 2026. Image sourced from Bangkok Post.

Remain Vigilant and Report Sightings

Maritime officials are urging all vessels in the Similan Islands area to remain vigilant for floating hazards. Authorities are asking anyone spotting one of the containers to take photos, including of any hazard warning labels (if possible), note the location where the container was and report immediately to the relevant authorities via hotlines:

1650 (Pollution Control Department),
1196 (Marine Department) or
1465 (Maritime Enforcement Command Centre).

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