The Thor-Monadic: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In the early hours of February 27, 2025, an alarming fire ignited on the cargo vessel 'Thor Monadic' while docked at Sako Port in Ceyhan, situated within the Yumurtalık Free Zone. The vessel, which was transporting plastic raw materials, sparked concern as flames quickly spread within the cargo hold, accompanied by thick smoke. Firefighting crews responded promptly, tackling the blaze from both the quay and the sea. Several nearby vessels were called into action, including the 'B. Baku' (IMO: 9360104), 'K.Burhanettinozbilen' (IMO: 9040297), 'Malcoclar' (IMO: 9040302), and 'Kaptan Sureyya Guler' (IMO: 9633367), all joining the efforts to extinguish the fire. Fortunately, authorities have reported no casualties or injuries in the incident thus far. In response to the situation, other ships docked at the port have been relocated to safer areas. The 'Thor Monadic' had arrived at the port just over a week earlier on February 18, after its journey from Map Ta Phut. An official investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire. For detailed reports and coverage featuring photos and videos, visit the following links: [7Deniz](https://www.7deniz.net/adanada-limanda-gemi-yangini), [Medyayenigun](https://www.medyayenigun.net/haber/23863724/antalyada-sahte-mit-gorevlisi-sucustu-yakalandi-25-milyon-lira-dolandiracakti), and [Denizhaber](https://www.denizhaber.com/adana-ceyhanda-bir-limanda-bulunan-yuk-gemisinde-yangin-cikti/123980).

In a recent ruling on March 15, 2023, the Kwun Tong Court in Hong Kong found Ekarat Timwatthana, captain of the bulk carrier ‘Thor Monadic’ (IMO: 9815320), not guilty of fraud. The magistrate, Joseph To Ho-shing, determined that there was not enough evidence to prove that Timwatthana intended to deceive authorities regarding his crew's health status and evade costs associated with Covid-19 treatment. The case centered on an incident from August 24, 2021, when Timwatthana applied for 'free pratique', the permission required for ships to enter Hong Kong waters, stating that none of the crew had fallen ill since departing from Indonesia three weeks prior. However, prior to reaching Hong Kong, the vessel had been turned away from two mainland Chinese ports due to crew members exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms. Ultimately, 15 out of the 23 crew members, including Timwatthana himself, tested positive for the virus in Hong Kong, leading to health authorities incurring expenses exceeding US$140,535 for testing and hospitalization. The majority of these costs were later taken care of by the ship's owner based in Singapore. Despite the inaccuracies in the information provided by Timwatthana, Magistrate To emphasized the lack of intention to defraud, stating that he could have still accessed medical assistance by being forthright about the onboard health conditions. The magistrate highlighted a notable loophole in the current legislation that permits ship captains to avoid penalties for providing false information in applications for free pratique, urging authorities to address this gap in the law.

Ekarat Timwatthana, the 53-year-old captain of the bulk carrier 'Thor Monadic', is currently embroiled in a legal battle that began on February 1, 2022. He is accused of misleading health officials while applying for a license for his vessel to cross into Hong Kong waters. The charges center around an application made on August 24, 2021, where Timwatthana allegedly concealed the Covid-19 status of his crew. In a formal plea, he denied any wrongdoing regarding a count of fraud, which can carry a punishment of up to 14 years in prison, although the maximum sentence could be limited to two years in this trial presided over by a magistrate. When submitting a request for free pratique—a clearance for his ship to dock—Timwatthana claimed that there were no illnesses aboard since departing from Indonesia three weeks prior. However, following a health assessment, it was discovered that two crew members exhibited severe symptoms of Covid-19 at the time of his application. Ultimately, 15 out of the 23 crew members, including Timwatthana, tested positive for the L452R mutated strain of the virus. A police investigation revealed that the captain had reached out to a local shipping agent regarding rapid Covid-19 testing options in Hong Kong and inquired about leaving the city without quarantine if they tested positive. The associated costs for screenings and inpatient care of crew members reached over HK$1.1 million (approximately US$140,778), with most expenses later covered by the ship's owners based in Singapore. The 15 affected sailors were discharged from the hospital on September 15. Prosecutors allege that Timwatthana knowingly deceived health authorities, aiming to secure medical treatment on land rather than on the vessel in isolation. In his defense, Timwatthana's legal team argued that he sought out independent laboratories for Covid-19 tests rather than relying on public health services.