Thai Cargo Ship Hit by Missiles Near Strait of Hormuz; 3 Missing

A Thai-flagged bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by two projectiles near the Strait of Hormuz while en route from the UAE to India. The attack caused explosions and a fire, leading the 20 rescued Thai crew members to evacuate via liferafts before being saved by the Royal Navy of Oman. Search efforts continue for three missing crew members believed to still be on the damaged vessel. The incident is one of several reported attacks on vessels in the strategically vital waterway, highlighting heightened regional maritime security risks.

Key Points: Thai Ship Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz, 3 Crew Missing

  • Missiles hit Thai bulk carrier
  • 20 crew rescued by Omani Navy
  • 3 Thai nationals missing after attack
  • Part of multi-vessel incident in strategic strait
2 min read

Thai-flagged cargo ship hit by missiles near Strait of Hormuz; 20 crew rescued, 3 missing

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz. 20 crew rescued, 3 missing. Search and rescue operations ongoing.

"Two projectiles struck the vessel above the waterline, causing explosions near the stern and in the engine room. - Bangkok Post"

Bangkok, March 11

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three crew members unaccounted for, while 20 others were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, the Bangkok Post reported, citing the Royal Thai Navy.

According to the Bangkok Post, citing the Maritime Traffic and Vessel Control Centre, the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, operated by SET-listed Precious Shipping Plc, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was bound for Kandla port in Gujarat, India, when it came under attack around 10 in the morning.

Two projectiles struck the vessel above the waterline, causing explosions near the stern and in the engine room and triggering a fire on board. All 23 crew members on the ship were Thai nationals.

Twenty crew members evacuated the vessel using liferafts and were later rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and taken safely to Khasab in Oman, the Bangkok Post reported.

Search and rescue operations are underway for the remaining three crew members, who are believed to still be on board the damaged vessel.

According to the Bangkok Post, citing maritime security agencies and sources, the Thai carrier was one of three vessels targeted by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with the Mayuree Naree reportedly suffering the most severe damage.

The Royal Thai Navy said it is coordinating the response through the Combined Maritime Forces headquarters in Bahrain and is working closely with Thai embassies in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

It is also collaborating with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) to support ongoing search and rescue efforts.

Authorities added that coordination is underway with the Consular Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Marine Department and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre to assist the crew members and arrange their safe return to Thailand.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping routes, through which a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies passes. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted maritime activity in the region and heightened security concerns for commercial vessels.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Horrible news. The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline for global energy. Attacks like this threaten everyone. Hope the search and rescue teams find the three missing sailors quickly.
A
Anjali F
So sad to hear. All 23 crew are Thai nationals. Their families must be going through hell. The international coordination between Thailand, Oman, UKMTO is good to see. Safety of seafarers should be paramount.
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Vikram M
This is why India needs to strengthen its own naval presence and partnerships in the region. We rely on that route for oil. A bit more proactive security, not just reactive diplomacy, is needed.
K
Karthik V
The article says it was one of three ships attacked on the same day! The situation is escalating. This will push up insurance costs and eventually the price of everything we import. A serious economic threat.
M
Meera T
Heartbreaking. These crew members are just doing their job, far from home. The world needs to come together to protect commercial shipping lanes. No political cause justifies endangering innocent lives like this.

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