Thai Cargo Ship Attacked Near Hormuz Strait, 3 Crew Missing After Iran Strike

Attack on Mayuree Naree: What Happened

The vessel, named Mayuree Naree, is a bulk carrier owned by the Thai company Precious Shipping Pcl. It was en route to Kandla Port in India when it was struck as it entered the Strait of Hormuz. Eyewitness photos shared by the Royal Thai Navy showed heavy black smoke coming from the ship's hull and superstructure, with life rafts floating nearby.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Thailand Transport Ministry reported that the crew abandoned ship in a lifeboat and was subsequently rescued by the Omani Navy. An explosion had occurred at the ship’s stern, igniting a fire in the engine compartment where the three missing crew members were working at the time. 

Search and Rescue Operations On

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities still determining the cause of the attack and the origin of the projectiles involved. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported by Omani navy officials.
Admiral Thadawut Thatpitakkul of the Royal Thai Navy stated that their personnel stationed in Bahrain are in regular contact with Omani authorities to stay updated on the situation and the wellbeing of the crew. The investigation into the source of the strike is still underway.

India Condemns Strike on Ship

This incident has unfolded against a backdrop of rising tensions and security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz. India has condemned the attack on the Thai-flagged cargo vessel, which was heading toward Gujarat’s Kandla port when it was targeted. The Indian government expressed grave concern over the targeting of commercial vessels in this vital shipping lane, warning that such threats are growing increasingly perilous. They lament the tragic loss of innocent lives in previous attacks amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

Middle East Crisis Hits Global Shipping

Recent weeks have seen a series of incidents disrupting shipping in the waters where Iran-related violence poses significant risks from missiles, drones, and other projectiles. The strike on the Mayuree Naree occurred during a time of escalating crisis in the Middle East.
On February 28, Israel, backed by American military forces, launched attacks against Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes against Tel Aviv and nations in the region hosting U.S. military bases. Iran has repeatedly threatened shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global energy supplies.