3 Crew Still Missing After Iranian Attack On Thai Ship In Strait Of Hormuz, No Trace Found After Full Inspection

Three crew members from a Thai-flagged cargo vessel remain missing after an Iranian attack in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, with search teams unable to locate them despite a full inspection of the ship.

The vessel, Mayuree Naree, owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping, was struck by projectiles on March 11 while sailing in ballast through the strategic waterway.

Out of 23 crew members on board, 20 were rescued after abandoning the ship in a lifeboat. The rescue was carried out by the Royal Navy of Oman, and the survivors returned to Thailand on March 15.

The three missing crew members, Chawalit Chaiyawong, Kiattisak Pawaphuchakae, and Panupong Muentaen, are believed to have been trapped in the engine room at the stern. This section of the vessel suffered the most damage during the attack and later caught fire.

The ship eventually ran aground on an Iranian island. A specialist team deployed by the shipowner boarded the vessel and searched all accessible areas. However, no trace of the missing crew was found.

According to Precious Shipping Managing Director Khalid M. Hashim, the company has informed the families and will continue coordinating with authorities for further action. Thai officials confirmed that the search operation was challenging due to fire damage, smoke, and flooding inside the engine room.

MAYUREE NAREE (9323649) is now up on our Lost and Found page. She’s at Qeshm Island, Iran. https://t.co/xa9hXh6ET8 https://t.co/tK7FLxfpzl pic.twitter.com/fzPITH804j

— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) March 29, 2026

The incident occurred as the vessel was sailing from the United Arab Emirates to India. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that the ship had ignored warnings and entered the Strait without a permit. The shipowner, however, said it had maintained communication with relevant authorities before departure.

Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said it is working with Iranian officials to continue efforts related to the case. Authorities also noted that ongoing tensions in the region had earlier delayed search operations.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Ongoing conflict in the region has slowed vessel movement, increased risks for ships, and raised concerns over fuel supply.

In a related development, Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Iran has allowed Thai ships to pass through the strait. Thai energy company Bangchak confirmed that one of its oil tankers recently crossed the route safely. Another cargo ship from SCG Chemicals also passed without issues.

Precious Shipping said the vessel is covered by war-risk insurance and does not expect a major financial impact or disruption to its operations at this stage.

References: bloomberg, thethaiger