1 hour ago1 hr Thailand is still awaiting confirmation on the fate of three missing crew members after the Thai-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree ran aground off Iran’s Qeshm Island following an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said authorities are pressing Iran for urgent assistance, with no update yet on the missing crew. Twenty other crew members were rescued, but uncertainty remains over the remaining three.Get today's headlines by email The vessel was struck on March 11 while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, after being hit by an unidentified projectile. The impact caused an explosion in the engine room and triggered a fire, forcing the crew to abandon ship. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations confirmed the vessel caught fire about 11 miles north of Oman, and a distress signal was sent shortly after.According to reports, the blaze was brought under control several hours later, while the Omani navy rescued 20 crew members. On March 27, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that the damaged vessel had run aground off Qeshm Island. Thai authorities confirmed that Iranian and Omani teams had accessed the ship, but the condition and whereabouts of the three missing crew remain unknown.Sihasak said on March 28 that he had contacted Iran’s ambassador to Thailand and sent a formal letter to Iran’s foreign minister urging swift action. He stressed that Thailand is continuing to follow up closely and will do everything possible to determine the fate of the missing crew. The incident has drawn attention due to its location in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.The Nation reported that authorities in Thailand, Iran, and Oman are continuing to coordinate efforts to locate the missing crew and assess the vessel’s condition. The situation highlights ongoing risks to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, particularly amid regional tensions. Further updates are expected as search and recovery operations continue.Picture courtesy of The NationRelated storyThai-flagged-cargo-ship-abandoned-after-attack-near-strait-of-hormuzJoin the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 29 Mar 2026 View full article
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