NewsFlash Daily™
11 March 
A Thai-flagged cargo ship travelling from the UAE to India was attacked near the strategic Strait of Hormuz; a rescue operation is underway as regional tensions escalate
Tehran: A Thai-flagged cargo vessel came under attack near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three crew members missing while 20 sailors were successfully rescued, according to officials from the Royal Thai Navy.
The vessel had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was en route to Kandla Port in India when the attack occurred in the waters near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.
Attack on Thai Cargo Vessel
According to reports from the Royal Thai Navy, the attacked ship has been identified as Mayuri Naree, a bulk carrier owned by Precious Shipping PCL, a Thailand-based maritime company.
The vessel was travelling through the Strait of Hormuz when it came under attack shortly after leaving the UAE port.
Officials confirmed that 20 crew members were rescued, while three sailors remain unaccounted for, prompting an ongoing search and rescue operation.
Dramatic Images Reveal Damage
Photographs released by the Royal Thai Navy show thick black smoke billowing from the vessel’s hull and upper deck, indicating significant damage following the attack.
Life rafts were also seen floating in the surrounding waters, suggesting that crew members had to abandon parts of the ship during the incident.
Authorities have stated that the exact nature and cause of the attack are still under investigation.
Rescue Operation Led by Omani Navy
According to official statements, the Omani Navy successfully rescued 20 sailors from the waters near the attack site.
Search operations are still underway to locate the three missing crew members, with maritime authorities coordinating efforts in the region.
The Mayuri Naree cargo vessel is reportedly 178 meters long and capable of carrying around 30,000 tonnes of cargo, according to data shared by the Royal Thai Navy.
Rising Tensions in the Middle East
The attack occurred amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Earlier, on February 28, Israel, with support from the United States Military, launched strikes against Iran, escalating the already volatile regional situation.
In response, Iran has reportedly targeted locations linked to US and Israeli military presence in the Middle East.
Maritime security analysts have also warned that Iran has repeatedly threatened shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is considered one of the most crucial global energy supply corridors.
Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through this narrow waterway, making any disruption in the region a significant concern for global trade and energy markets.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while investigations into the attack remain ongoing.
