Projectile Strike Near Hormuz Leaves 3 Thai Crew Missing

Three crew members are missing after a Thai-flagged bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.

Thailand’s Ministry of Transport confirmed that 20 crew members have been rescued while search efforts continue for the three sailors believed to have been on duty in the engine room at the time of the explosion.

According to Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, the vessel, “Mayuree Naree,” had departed from the United Arab Emirates with 23 crew members on board before the incident occurred.

“As it was passing through the strait, an explosion occurred at the stern causing a fire in the engine room, where the three missing sailors were believed to be on duty,” the minister said.

Following the blast, the ship’s captain ordered the crew to abandon the vessel.

“On the captain’s order, the crew abandoned ship and evacuated to lifeboats. They were subsequently rescued by the Omani Navy and brought to the city of Khasab,” the transport ministry stated.

The ministry said the Royal Thai Navy is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in the region.

“The Royal Thai Navy is monitoring the situation closely and is coordinating rescue efforts with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in the region,” Pipat added.

The “Mayuree Naree” was reportedly one of three vessels struck by projectiles near the strategic shipping lane on Wednesday morning.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which oversees maritime security in the region, a total of 13 vessels have been attacked since the conflict in the area began.