Fifteen Bangladeshi sailors from the ill-fated vessel MV Seaload Ark returned home on Thursday, ending an 82-day ordeal following the ship's sinking off the coast of Phuket, Thailand.

The emotional crew members arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka at noon via an IndiGo Airlines flight.

Their return marks the end of a long wait that began on February 7, when their vessel, en route from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Chattogram, sank approximately four nautical miles off the Phuket coast.

The ship, which was carrying 101 forty-foot and 96 twenty-foot containers, was originally scheduled to reach Bangladesh on February 12.

Confirming the news, Bangladesh Merchant Marine Officers’ Association (BMMOA) General Secretary Md Sakhawat Hossain described the homecoming as a “great relief and a moment of joy.”

He noted that while the 15 sailors have returned, the ship’s master will remain in Thailand for a few additional days to complete necessary legal procedures.

The rescue operation was initially carried out by the Thai navy, but legal complications significantly delayed the sailors' repatriation.

BMMOA officials stated they maintained continuous contact with the crew, working through the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) to facilitate their return.

Capt Md Salahuddin Chowdhury, CEO of Naf Marine Services and technical manager of the vessel, played a key role in coordinating with the Bangladesh Embassy in Thailand and the Department of Shipping to resolve legal hurdles.

The BMMOA also extended its gratitude to several international and local entities, including the shipowners’ P&I Club, legal advisers Rajah & Tann (Thailand), and Ben Line Agencies in Phuket, for providing essential logistical and legal support.

Sakhawat Hossain highlighted that during the sailors' stay in Thailand, the shipowners ensured their accommodation, food, and salary payments were maintained.

Hossain further expressed appreciation for the diplomatic efforts of Tysers, the Department of Shipping, and the Bangladesh Embassy.

"Bangladeshi seafarers are our asset and pride. Our association will always stand beside them in any crisis," he added.

With Inputs from UNB