A Thai-flagged cargo ship has been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, with 20 crew members rescued and three still missing as regional tensions continue to escalate.
The incident involving the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree occurred on Wednesday 11th March 2026 while the vessel was transiting the strategic waterway shortly after departing Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates. The ship was bound for Kandla port in India.
Photos released by the Royal Thai Navy showed heavy black smoke rising from the vessel’s hull and superstructure, while life rafts were visible floating nearby.
The Royal Thai Navy stated that the vessel “was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz”. It added: “The specific details and cause of the attack are currently under investigation.”
The Omani navy rescued 20 sailors who had abandoned the vessel in a lifeboat and brought them ashore in Khasab, Oman. Search operations were continuing for the remaining three crew members.
Thailand’s transport ministry said an explosion occurred in the stern of the ship, triggering a fire in the engine compartment where the missing crew members had been working.
The Mayuree Naree is owned by Precious Shipping Pcl, a Thai transport company. The company confirmed that the vessel was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin, causing damage to the engine room and starting the fire.
Precious Shipping said it was cooperating with authorities in efforts to locate the missing crew while confirming that the rescued sailors were safe and now ashore in Oman.
Ship tracking data placed the Mayuree Naree just off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz, travelling at slightly more than one knot.
The bulk carrier measures 178 metres in length and has a displacement of 30,000 tonnes.
The attack occurred during a broader series of incidents on Wednesday. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that three commercial vessels were hit by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby Gulf waters. It was one of the most intense days of such attacks since the conflict in the region escalated.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have claimed responsibility for strikes on vessels in the area. Iranian state affiliated media reported that the group implied involvement in the attack on the Mayuree Naree, saying the ship ignored warnings. Thai and international sources initially described the projectiles as being of unknown origin, and investigations remain ongoing.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying about one fifth of global oil supplies. Maritime traffic has fallen sharply amid the hostilities, raising concerns about energy security and supply chains.
No immediate environmental impact from the incident has been reported. Based on available information, the Mayuree Naree was not carrying hazardous cargo that could create a widespread pollution risk.
Thai authorities and Precious Shipping said they continue to monitor the situation as search efforts for the missing crew members continue.
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