Thai Foreign Ministry Confirms Deaths of Three Crew Members from Mayuree Naree Ship Following Iranian Attack in Strait of Hormuz in March
Bangkok, April 8th, 2026 – Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, has officially confirmed that the three missing Thai crew members from the Thai-flagged bulk…
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed the deaths of three Thai crew members from the MV Mayuree Naree, following an Iranian attack on the vessel in the Strait of Hormuz in March. The announcement was made in Bangkok on April 8 by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, who stated that the mariners were trapped in the engine room after the ship was struck. The incident has drawn significant attention in Thailand and raised concerns for the safety of Thai-flagged ships operating in international waters, including those departing from Phuket.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
The MV Mayuree Naree, a 180-metre dry bulk carrier owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping Plc, came under fire on March 11 while sailing in ballast about 11 nautical miles off Oman’s northern coast. According to the ship’s operator, two projectiles hit the hull above the waterline, sparking a severe engine room fire and causing extensive damage.
Twenty of the 23 Thai crew members were evacuated with help from Omani naval forces and repatriated to Thailand on March 16. The three remaining crew were reported missing and believed to be trapped in the flooded, fire-damaged engine compartment.
Discovery of Remains and Official Confirmation
A specialised search and rescue team hired by Precious Shipping boarded the grounded vessel in early April after it had drifted and run aground on an Iranian island. Human remains were located in the affected engine room area, and the company notified the families.
Thai authorities continued to press for forensic identification and recovery of the remains. The Foreign Ministry stated it is coordinating with Iranian officials and the ship’s owner to facilitate repatriation and provide support to the families of the deceased.
Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/04/08/thai-foreign-ministry-confirms-deaths-of-three-crew-members-from-mayuree-naree-ship-following-iranian-attack-in-strait-of-hormuz-in-march/
