The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has confirmed that three commercial vessels were targeted in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The incidents included a Thai-registered ship which caught fire following the encounter.
According to data from UKMTO and reports from seatrade maritime, a cargo vessel was set ablaze after being struck by an unidentified object approximately 11 nautical miles off the coast of Oman. Although an initial evacuation was triggered, latest updates indicate the fire has been extinguished. Some crew members have remained on board to oversee recovery operations.
Thai vessel identified and crew rescued
Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech has identified the affected vessel as the Mayruree Naree, a large bulk carrier registered in Thailand and owned by the Bangkok-based Precious Shipping. Reports from the scene indicate that 20 crew members evacuated during the emergency, while three remained on board to assist with rescue and stabilisation efforts.
The Royal Thai Navy Chief of Staff, Thadawut Thatpitakkul, confirmed on Wednesday that the navy had received reports regarding the attack in waters off Oman. He stated that Thai naval personnel stationed in Bahrain have utilised their maritime contacts to coordinate with Omani authorities to provide necessary assistance to the crew.
Initial findings confirm that 20 crew members were successfully rescued while three remained on the vessel. Authorities are currently verifying if any of the 23 crew members sustained injuries, though it has been confirmed that there were no fatalities. The cause of the incident and the identity of those responsible for the shooting remain under investigation.
Japanese ships targeted near United Arab Emirates
In what appeared to be a coordinated escalation, two additional vessels were reportedly targeted northwest of the United Arab Emirates. One vessel, the ONE Majesty, sustained a 10-centimetre hole after being struck 25 nautical miles off Ras Al Khaimah.
The ship, which is registered in Japan and owned by Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), is currently proceeding to a safe anchorage. All crew members on board the ONE Majesty have been reported safe following the incident.
A third vessel was struck approximately 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai. The UKMTO has confirmed that the crew is safe and there has been no reported environmental damage resulting from the strike.
