Three crew members believed trapped aboard Thai ship attacked in Gulf- Shipping firm

Three crew members are thought to be trapped on a Thai bulk carrier that was struck by two projectiles on Wednesday, March 10, while navigating the important Strait of Hormuz, according to the ship's owner. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported on Wednesday that they had targeted the Thai-registered Mayuree Naree and a Liberia-flagged ship in the strait because those vessels did not heed their “warnings.” The Thai ship was hit Wednesday morning after leaving Khalifa port in the United Arab Emirates. Precious Shipping, a Thai transport company, issued a statement on Wednesday evening saying, “The strikes damaged the vessel’s engine room and caused a fire.” They also noted that three crew members are missing and are believed to be trapped inside the engine room, with authorities currently working on their rescue. The Omani navy successfully saved 20 sailors, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining three, as stated by the Thai navy on Wednesday. Thailand’s foreign ministry confirmed that all 23 crew members were Thai nationals. Following strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, which intensified the Middle East conflict, the Islamic Republic has retaliated with attacks on its oil-exporting neighbors. These events have jeopardized shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and have thrown the global energy market into turmoil.