20 Thai Sailors Return Home After Cargo Ship Attack In Strait Of Hormuz, 3 Crew Still Missing

Twenty Thai sailors returned home on March 16 after being rescued from a cargo ship that was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while three of their crewmates remain missing on the damaged vessel.

The crew had been evacuated at sea days earlier after the Thai-registered ship Mayuree Naree was struck by projectiles during its transit through the strategic Gulf shipping route.

The vessel was passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries about one-fifth of global oil shipments. Officials said the projectiles damaged parts of the ship, including the engine room.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later said it had targeted the Thai vessel and a Liberia-flagged ship in the strait, claiming the ships had ignored warnings.

The incident happened as tensions in the Middle East have increased after military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

After the attack, the Royal Navy of Oman rescued 20 crew members from the ship on March 11. The sailors arrived early on March 16 at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Officials escorted them away from the airport without allowing them to speak to reporters.

Family members had been waiting for updates since the incident. One woman, who identified herself as Bass, said her husband was among the returning crew. She told reporters that families had received little information after the attack.

Bass said seafarers often continue working despite risks because refusing a voyage could mean losing their income.

She said she was only able to contact her husband through Facebook Messenger after the incident. When the crew abandoned the ship, he was only able to grab his phones before leaving.

He later told his wife that he had left behind a small pillow belonging to their one-year-old son that he kept with him on the ship.

The vessel’s owner, Precious Shipping, said it is continuing efforts to locate the three missing crew members.

The company earlier said the sailors are believed to be trapped in the engine room, which was damaged during the attack.

The company added that the returned crew will receive medical checks and mental health support.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry also said the government is seeking help from two other countries to locate the missing crew members who may still be onboard the vessel.

References: AFP, hindustantimes