A Thai-flagged bulk carrier that was hit in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month has now run aground on Iran’s Qeshm Island. Rescue teams are still searching for three missing crew members who are feared to be trapped onboard.
The Mayuree Naree, which weighs 30,000 tons and is owned by Precious Shipping, grounded along the Iranian coast after drifting following an attack that disabled the ship’s propulsion system, according to reports from the company and regional sources.
A joint rescue team from Oman and Iran has reached the vessel and is trying to find the missing sailors, as confirmed by Thai authorities on Friday. The condition of the missing crew remains unknown.
The ship was hit on March 11 while passing through the Strait of Hormuz shortly after leaving the United Arab Emirates. This incident is one of the most significant involving a Southeast Asian-flagged ship since the conflict escalated on February 28.
Two projectiles of unknown origin struck the vessel, causing a fire in the engine room and forcing the crew to abandon the ship. Oman’s navy successfully rescued 20 crew members from lifeboats and brought them safely to Khasab.
Thai officials believe the three missing crew members were in the engine room when the attack occurred, raising concerns that they may have been trapped when the fire broke out.
Photos taken after the strike showed thick smoke rising from the back of the ship, which suggests there was damage to the engine room.
After losing propulsion, the vessel drifted for several days before eventually running aground off the coast of Qeshm Island, a critical area near the narrow entrance to the Strait.
This incident occurs as maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz is in a critical state due to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
The waterway handles about a quarter of the world's seaborne oil trade and has seen a significant drop in vessel traffic, with attacks, insurance withdrawals, and electronic interference disrupting normal operations.
Thailand has condemned the attack and called for accountability, while industry groups warn that this incident could discourage shipping activities and increase costs across global supply chains.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Precious Shipping has stated that the vessel was empty and was sailing in ballast, meaning no cargo was lost. Additionally, the company mentioned that the ship is covered by war-risk insurance and does not anticipate any major financial impact.