A search operation for three crew members who went missing after a Thai-flagged cargo vessel came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month has ended without success, the ship’s owner confirmed.
The vessel, Mayuree Naree, operated by Precious Shipping Plc, was hit by Iranian projectiles on March 11 while navigating the vital shipping lane without cargo.
Of the 23 crew members onboard, 20 were rescued by the Omani navy after evacuating the vessel via lifeboat. They were subsequently repatriated to Thailand on March 16.
The remaining three crew members are believed to have been trapped in the engine room at the rear of the ship, the area where the strike occurred and where a fire later erupted.
The vessel later ran aground on an Iranian island. A search team that boarded the ship was unable to locate the missing crew, Managing Director Khalid M Hashim said in a statement on Monday.
According to Hashim, the families of the missing crew have been notified. He added that the company will continue coordinating with relevant authorities and assess further appropriate actions.
Thai authorities had previously requested assistance from both Iranian and Omani officials in efforts to locate the missing seafarers.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand had received assurances from Iran that its vessels would be permitted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the country faces ongoing fuel supply concerns.
Meanwhile, Thai energy firm Bangchak Corporation reported that one of its crude oil tankers had recently passed through the strait without incident.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, has been largely disrupted since the onset of the Iran conflict, driving up global oil prices and heightening concerns over potential supply shortages.
The Mayuree Naree is insured under war-risk coverage, and Precious Shipping Plc has previously stated that it does not anticipate a significant financial impact or major disruption to its operations at this time.
