Daijiworld Media Network - Bangkok

Bangkok, Mar 11: A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly after departing a port in the United Arab Emirates, the Royal Thai Navy said. Twenty sailors were rescued while three crew members remain missing.

The vessel, Mayuree Naree, a bulk carrier owned by Precious Shipping, had left Khalifa Port and was en route to Kandla Port when it came under attack while passing through the strategic waterway. Iran has reportedly claimed responsibility for the strike.

Photographs released by the Royal Thai Navy showed thick black smoke rising from the ship’s hull and superstructure, while life rafts were seen floating in the surrounding waters.

In a statement, the navy said the “specific details and cause of the attack are currently under investigation.” It added that the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 crew members and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining three sailors.

Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that three commercial ships were attacked in the Gulf on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether Mayuree Naree was among those vessels.

According to the Royal Thai Navy, the cargo ship is 178 metres long and has a displacement of around 30,000 tonnes.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, reportedly backed by the United States Armed Forces. Iran later retaliated with missile strikes against Tel Aviv and other regional locations hosting American military bases, while repeatedly warning that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical energy corridors — could be targeted.