3 Crew Members Die After Deadly Attack On Thai-Flagged Vessel In Hormuz, Thailand Confirms

Thailand has confirmed that three crew members from a Thai-flagged vessel have died after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz last month.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said on Wednesday that the three missing crew from the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree have now been declared dead.

The ship was on its way from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates to Kandla Port in India when it was hit on March 11.

Per reports, the vessel was struck by two projectiles, which caused an explosion near the stern and a fire in the engine room. The incident led to serious damage and flooding inside the ship.

There were 23 Thai crew members on board. Twenty of them managed to escape in a lifeboat and were later rescued by the Omani navy. They were brought back to Thailand safely.

The three crew who died were believed to be engineers working in the engine room at the time of the attack and could not get out.

Search teams later boarded the damaged ship under difficult conditions and found human remains in the affected areas.

The ship’s owner, Precious Shipping, had earlier confirmed the discovery but could not identify them at that time. Thai authorities have now informed the families of the deceased.

After the attack, the Mayuree Naree drifted in the strait and later ran aground near Iran’s Qeshm Island, which made recovery work more difficult.

The incident happened at a time when tensions in the region are high. Several ships have reported attacks in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about the safety of commercial vessels.

Thailand also said that nine of its ships are still stranded in the area. Sihasak is expected to travel to Oman in mid-April to coordinate with Iran and other authorities to help ensure safe passage for these vessels.

A Thai oil tanker passed through the strait safely late last month and did not have to pay any fee for transit.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, and any disruption there affects global trade and oil movement.

Reference: The Hindu