Thai Cargo Ship Attacked Near Strait of Hormuz A Thai-flagged bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday while en route from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates to Kandla Port in India, according to the Royal Thai Navy. The vessel, owned by the Thai company Precious Shipping Pcl, was transiting the critical waterway when it came under attack. Iran has claimed responsibility for the incident, though the exact cause and details remain under investigation. The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that 20 sailors were rescued by the Omani Navy, while three crew members are still missing. The statement noted ongoing efforts to locate the remaining three individuals. The ship, measuring 178 meters in length and displacing 30,000 tonnes, was reportedly damaged during the attack, with visible signs of fire and black smoke observed. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Israel and Iran have been engaged in a cycle of strikes and retaliations. Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks on Tel Aviv and U.S. military bases in the region. Iran has repeatedly warned of targeting shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil exports. The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that three commercial ships were attacked in the Gulf the previous day, though it is unclear if the Mayuree Naree was among them. The attack underscores the growing risks to maritime trade in the region, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical conflict. The incident has drawn attention to the vulnerability of commercial vessels in the area, with the Omani Navy playing a key role in the rescue operation.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #thai_cargo_ship #royal_thai_navy #oman_navy
