In a major escalation of the maritime conflict in West Asia, a Thai-registered bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by an unknown projectile on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The vessel was en route to Gujarat’s Kandla port when it burst into flames in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The Incident: Attack in the Corridor
The 178-meter cargo ship, owned by Precious Shipping, was transiting the narrow shipping lane after departing from the UAE.
- The Strike: The vessel was hit by a projectile approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman. Royal Thai Navy footage showed heavy smoke billowing from the hull and superstructure.
- Evacuation: The crew was forced to deploy life rafts and abandon the burning ship as the fire spread across the superstructure.
Search and Rescue Status
The Omani Navy responded immediately to the distress signal:
- Rescued: 20 crew members have been safely pulled from the water.
- Missing: Search operations are currently ongoing for three sailors who remain unaccounted for.
- Vessel Status: While the fire has reportedly been brought under control, the extent of the damage to the 30,000-tonne carrier is unknown.
Regional Impact: Energy and Security
This attack is the latest in a series of hostilities that have paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway responsible for nearly 20% of global oil and LNG shipments.
- Shipping Alerts: The UKMTO (United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations) has issued a high-level alert, advising all vessels in the region to exercise extreme caution.
- India’s Vulnerability: With the ship bound for Gujarat, this incident highlights the direct threat to India’s energy security and supply chains. This follows the docking of the first non-Iranian crude vessel in Mumbai earlier today, which was seen as a brief moment of relief.