Iranian IRGC Missile Strike Hits Thai Cargo Vessel in Strait of Hormuz

The vessel, owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping PCL, was en route from Khalifa Port in the UAE to the port of Kandla in Gujarat, India, when it was struck on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict, as Iran increasingly targets commercial shipping to enforce its blockade of the strategic waterway.

The Attack and Immediate Aftermath

According to statements from the Royal Thai Navy and Precious Shipping, the 30,000-ton cargo vessel was hit by two projectiles above the waterline approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman. The strikes caused a massive explosion at the stern and ignited a fierce fire in the engine room. Despite the vessel’s strict adherence to international safety protocols and regular reporting to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the IRGC claimed the attack was a retaliatory measure, asserting that the ship had ignored repeated warnings from Iranian naval forces.

Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Out of the 23 Thai crew members on board, 20 were successfully rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and transported to safety in Khasab. However, three crew members remain missing and are believed to be trapped in the engine room, which was heavily damaged and engulfed in flames. Rescue teams have faced extreme difficulty accessing the compartment due to high temperatures and structural damage. The Royal Thai Navy is currently coordinating with maritime security agencies in Bahrain and Thai embassies in the region to support the search-and-rescue operation and arrange for the safe repatriation of the rescued sailors.

Global Economic and Security Impact

The attack on the Mayuree Naree was one of three separate strikes on commercial vessels in the region on Wednesday, ending a brief lull in hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world’s crude oil, has effectively become a war zone, forcing major shipping companies to reroute vessels or suspend operations entirely. India's Ministry of External Affairs has "deplored" the targeting of commercial shipping, noting that such attacks endanger civilian lives and threaten global energy security. As the conflict—codenamed Operation Epic Fury—enters its second week, the international community is facing rising oil prices and a growing risk of a total disruption to the global supply chain.