Thai Cargo Ship Attacked in Strait of Hormuz: Three Crew Members Missing
Bangkok — The Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree was struck by projectiles while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport. The incident occurred on March 10, 2026, as the vessel attempted to pass through the strait amidst rising tensions in the region. The attack resulted in a fire in the engine room, leading to the evacuation of the crew. While 20 crew members were rescued, three remain unaccounted for, raising concerns among their families and authorities.
Crew member Samut, who spoke under a pseudonym for safety reasons, described the harrowing experience. “I just heard the loud bang,” he recounted, noting that alarms blared and smoke filled the ship. The crew quickly gathered on the bridge, where a headcount revealed that three individuals were missing, all of whom had been in the engine room during the attack. Among the missing is Chawarit Chaiwong, a seasoned sailor with over a decade of experience at sea.
Background of the Incident
The Mayuree Naree, a 180-meter-long bulk carrier, had been anchored near the United Arab Emirates as conflict escalated in the region. Following the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, Tehran threatened to target vessels from nations allied with the U.S. The crew had expressed concerns about traversing the strait, with Chawarit’s wife, Suchawadee Malikaeo, revealing that he had seen a drone near the ship days before the attack.
Despite the risks, the ship’s owners, Precious Shipping, decided to proceed through the strait to complete its voyage to Kandla, India, where it was scheduled to load rice. The company stated that a thorough assessment of the situation was conducted before departure, deeming the vessel fit for transit with appropriate precautions. However, some crew members felt pressured to leave due to the accumulating costs of remaining anchored.
On the morning of the attack, the Mayuree Naree was struck, causing significant damage and loss of power. The crew followed the captain’s orders to abandon ship and were subsequently rescued by the Omani Navy. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the vessel was fired upon for allegedly ignoring warnings.
Royal Thai Government Protests Iran Over Attack on Cargo Ship ‘Mayuree Naree’
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
As the search continues for the three missing crew members, the Thai government has reached out to Iran for assistance in the rescue operation. Bangkok’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has requested help in locating the missing sailors, but no updates have been provided regarding their status.
The Mayuree Naree is currently adrift, with its automatic identification system non-operational due to the attack. Managing director Khalid Hashim confirmed that the ship is without power and drifting, complicating efforts to locate it. The families of the missing crew members are left in a state of uncertainty, with Suchawadee expressing her daily anguish over her husband’s fate.
As tensions in the region remain high, the incident underscores the dangers faced by maritime crews navigating through conflict zones. The return of the 20 rescued crew members to Thailand has provided some relief, but the search for their missing colleagues continues, with loved ones anxiously awaiting news.
