Oman’s Royal Navy rescued 20 sailors, while search continues for three missing crew, as the attack highlights mounting dangers for commercial shipping in the Gulf.
BY PC Bureau
March 11, 2026: The Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, en route to Kandla Port in Gujarat, India, was attacked on March 11, 2026, while transiting the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route carrying a significant portion of India’s crude oil imports and other essential goods. The incident occurred amid escalating conflict between Iran and US-Israeli coalition forces, raising concerns over the safety of commercial shipping, potential disruptions to energy supplies, and risks to Indian seafarers in the Gulf.
The Mayuree Naree, a 30,197 DWT vessel owned and operated by Thailand’s Precious Shipping Pcl, had departed Khalifa Port, UAE, earlier that day. Around 08:35 GMT (14:05 IST), approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman’s coast, the ship was struck near the stern by an unidentified projectile—reported variously as a missile or other weapon—triggering explosions in the engine room, a major fire, and thick black smoke.
The vessel carried 23 crew members, all Thai nationals, who abandoned ship in life rafts. Oman’s Royal Navy responded swiftly, rescuing 20 sailors, some injured, and bringing them to Khasab. Search operations continue for the remaining three crew members believed trapped in the engine compartment.
The Royal Thai Navy confirmed the attack and ongoing coordination with international partners. Admiral Thadawut Thatpitakkul, Chief of Staff, highlighted the rapid response. No group has claimed responsibility, and the investigation into the cause is ongoing, though regional tensions suggest a retaliatory motive.
Thai Cargo Ship MAYUREE NAREE that was attacked in Strait of Hormuz. Pictures from Thai Media. pic.twitter.com/5eQxlRjHVb
— Abhi ™ (@Patelizm) March 11, 2026
The Mayuree Naree was one of three commercial vessels attacked in the area that day. The Japanese-flagged container ship ONE Majesty sustained minor hull damage, while another unidentified vessel was also targeted. The Mayuree Naree experienced the most severe damage, with fires burning for hours before being extinguished.
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For India, the incident underscores the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil flows—much of it bound for Indian refineries. Recent weeks have seen multiple attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf, stranding Indian-flagged or Indian-crewed ships, causing injuries, and raising fears of supply chain disruptions, rising insurance costs, and delays for imports like crude oil, LNG, and bulk goods to ports such as Kandla. Authorities and maritime stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, with calls for enhanced naval escorts and coordinated international measures to secure the chokepoint.
Photos released by the Royal Thai Navy show heavy black smoke enveloping the vessel and life rafts deployed in surrounding waters. Rescue efforts continue for the missing crew, while investigations into the perpetrators are ongoing. The broader regional conflict continues to disrupt navigation, endangering neutral commercial traffic and threatening global energy stability.
