Bangladeshi captain returns home after release by Thai court in vessel sinking case
Bangladeshi master mariner Captain Sheikh Monir Ahmed has returned home after a Thai court granted him temporary release, more than four and a half months after the Singapore-owned container feeder vessel MV SEALLOYD ARC sank off the Phuket coast.
The court issued the order on 18 June, clearing the way for Ahmed to leave Thailand. With this, all 16 Bangladeshi crew members of the Panama-flagged vessel are now free from restrictions linked to the maritime accident.
According to people involved in the case, the vessel left Malaysia's Port Klang for Chattogram Port on 5 February 2026. During the voyage, it reportedly developed a severe list before sinking near Phuket on 7 February.
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All 16 Bangladeshi seafarers on board were rescued by the Thai Coast Guard and brought safely ashore.
Following the incident, Thai authorities, the vessel's insurer and other relevant parties opened investigations to determine the cause of the sinking.
The crew cooperated with investigators throughout the process. Their statements were recorded by police investigators, government surveyors and other authorities on 30 March.
While 15 crew members were released on 27 April and returned to Bangladesh on 30 April, Captain Ahmed had to remain in Thailand due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Captain Anam Chowdhury, president of the Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers' Association, told The Business Standard, "A Thai court charged Captain Ahmed for environmental pollution caused by sinking of the ship.
"The case drew attention within the international shipping community because it raised concerns about the treatment of seafarers involved in maritime accidents, particularly in cases where incidents may have occurred beyond the direct control of ship officers and crew", he added.
"Captain Ahmed's temporary release came after legal efforts involving the vessel's owner, Singapore-based Sea Lloyed Shipping Pte. Ltd., the insurer West of England, their appointed admiralty lawyers, and Chattogram-based ship management company Naaf Marine Services," Captain Anam added.
Captain Salah Uddin, president of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, confirmed that Captain Ahmed returned to Bangladesh on 19 June and reunited with his family after more than four months abroad.
"According to those close to him, one of his immediate concerns was being able to meet his ailing mother," Salah Uddin added.
In a statement issued after his release, Captain Ahmed expressed gratitude to the organisations and individuals who supported him throughout the legal process.
"Your unwavering support, legal protection, guidance and tireless efforts over the past four and a half months played a crucial role in helping me overcome this difficult period," he said.
He also thanked the vessel owner, insurer and management company for their legal assistance and continued support, saying their efforts played an important role in securing his release.
The case has been closely followed by maritime stakeholders, many of whom have stressed the need to ensure fair treatment of seafarers and distinguish between genuine negligence and unavoidable maritime accidents.
The appeal process is still ongoing in Thailand, with further proceedings expected before higher judicial authorities.
Captain Ahmed has also appealed to the Bangladesh government, including the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking diplomatic and institutional support for a fair and timely resolution of the case.
He expressed hope that the authorities would consider the humanitarian, professional and international maritime law aspects of the matter and extend necessary assistance as the legal process continues.
