Three Thai Sailors Killed in Missile Attack in Strait of Hormuz
The Thai government has officially confirmed the tragic news regarding the fate of three of its citizens who fell victim to tensions in global shipping lanes. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the three sailors aboard the Thai-owned cargo ship Mayuree Naree have passed away.
This tragic incident occurred after the Thai cargo ship was hit by a missile while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. “With deep sorrow, I must confirm that the three Thai sailors who remained aboard the cargo ship Mayuree Naree, which was struck by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently caught fire, have died,” Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow told reporters on Wednesday (8/4).
The attack took place on 11 March. The Mayuree Naree was en route through the Strait of Hormuz when a missile struck the engine room directly. At the time of the explosion, the three sailors were on duty in the engine area and thus could not escape with the other crew members.
After being hit by the missile and catching fire, the ship drifted uncontrollably into Iranian waters and eventually ran aground near one of Iran’s islands. Iranian rescue personnel reportedly recovered the bodies of the three Thai nationals at the site where the ship was stranded.
Although three lives were lost, 20 other crew members were successfully rescued. Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow expressed high appreciation to all parties involved in the emergency rescue operation.
Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow described the successful rescue of the majority of the crew as a result of solid international diplomatic cooperation between Thailand and countries in the Middle East region.
The incident involving the Mayuree Naree adds to the long list of security risks in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. The ongoing security uncertainty in the region continues to raise global concerns about the stability of commodity prices transacted in the rupiah as well as other international currencies.
Further negotiations are scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Friday (10/4).