India-bound Thai Cargo Vessel Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz, Three Crew Members Missing

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel sailing to India was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three crew members missing after an explosion ripped through the ship.

The bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, carrying 23 crew members, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was heading towards Kandla Port in Gujarat when it was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the narrow Gulf shipping lane, triggering a fire on board.

20 Crew Members Rescued

According to Thailand’s Marine Department, 20 crew members have been rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and brought ashore to Khasab in Oman.

However, three crew members remain missing, with officials saying they were believed to be inside the engine room when the explosion occurred.

Thailand’s maritime authorities said search and rescue operations are underway in coordination with domestic and international agencies to locate the missing sailors and assist those rescued.

Thai Navy Confirms Attack

The Royal Thai Navy confirmed the incident, stating that its Maritime Traffic Control Center received an initial report around 11 am local time that the vessel had been attacked while sailing near the Strait of Hormuz.

The 30,000-tonne bulk carrier, owned by the Thai shipping company Precious Shipping, had departed the UAE earlier in the day before the attack occurred.

Following the report, Thai naval liaison officers working with the multinational maritime security coalition Combined Maritime Forces contacted the Royal Thai Embassy in Muscat to coordinate assistance with local authorities in Oman.

Images released by the Thai navy showed thick black smoke billowing from the ship’s hull and superstructure, while life rafts could be seen in the water as crew members evacuated the burning vessel.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a maritime security coordination centre run by the British military, earlier said the vessel had been struck just north of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has effectively halted cargo traffic through parts of the strait and has reportedly targeted oil fields and refineries in Gulf Arab nations, actions widely seen as attempts to exert economic pressure amid the ongoing war with the US-Israel.