Royal Thai Government Protests Iran Over Attack on Cargo Ship ‘Mayuree Naree’
The Royal Thai Government has formally protested to Iran following the attack on the cargo ship ‘Mayuree Naree’ in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which took place on March 11, involved two projectiles hitting the vessel, leaving three crew members missing and believed to be trapped. Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs Sirilak Niyom met with Iranian Ambassador to Thailand, Nassereddin Heidari, on March 12 to convey Thailand’s strong disapproval. The Thai government is demanding an official apology from Iran and a transparent account of the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Details of the Attack and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The ‘Mayuree Naree’ was struck by projectiles shortly after departing Khalifa Port en route to Kandla, Gujarat. The attack took place approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman, resulting in explosions at the ship’s stern and engine room, igniting a fire and causing the ship’s control systems to fail. A distress call was made, prompting the evacuation of 20 crew members onto liferafts, while three remained aboard. These 20 crew members were safely rescued by Omani naval units and brought ashore at Khasab in Oman.
The search for the three missing crew members continues, coordinated by Thailand’s Marine Department, the Royal Thai Navy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Admiral Thadawut Thatpitakkul, chief of staff of the Royal Thai Navy, stated that rescue efforts are complicated by ongoing conflict in the area, making immediate boarding of the vessel impossible. The Thai Navy has dispatched liaison officers to the Combined Maritime Forces and is working with embassies in Bahrain and Oman, prioritizing the safety of Thai nationals in the rescue operations.
Strengthening Naval Ties: Spain and Thailand Collaborate on Frigate Construction
International Response and Safety Measures
The shipping company, Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, asserts that they were following all safety protocols and had been in communication with the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) before the incident. The vessel was covered under War Risk Insurance. The attack on the ‘Mayuree Naree’ is part of a troubling trend in the region, as a separate incident on the same day involved another cargo ship, the ‘ONE Majesty’, which suffered damage from a projectile while en route from Jebel Ali to Mundra.
In total, multiple vessels have reportedly been targeted in a series of strikes, raising concerns about maritime safety in the area. US military forces have responded to the situation by eliminating several Iranian naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation has heightened tensions in an already volatile region, prompting calls for increased security measures for maritime operations.
