BANGKOK: A Thai-flagged cargo vessel, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by missiles near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday morning, leaving three crew members unaccounted for. The attack occurred around 10 AM local time while the vessel was en route from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates to Kandla port in Gujarat, India. The Royal Navy of Oman successfully rescued twenty crew members who evacuated the burning ship using liferafts.

Reports indicate that two projectiles hit the Mayuree Naree above the waterline, resulting in significant explosions near the stern and engine room, which ignited a fire onboard. All of the ship's 23 crew members were Thai nationals. As the situation unfolded, search and rescue operations commenced to locate the three crew members believed to still be on the vessel.

According to maritime security agencies, the Mayuree Naree was one of three vessels targeted in the area, suffering the most considerable damage. The Royal Thai Navy is managing the situation by coordinating with the Combined Maritime Forces stationed in Bahrain, as well as working in tandem with Thai diplomatic missions in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

The circumstances surrounding the attack highlight the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly affecting maritime activities in the region. The Strait of Hormuz plays a crucial role in global shipping, with a significant portion of the world’s oil and gas supplies passing through this narrow waterway. This incident raises alarming security concerns for commercial vessels operating in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for protective measures in such high-risk areas.