India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday condemned the attack on Thai bulk carrier Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that “India deplores” the targeting of commercial vessels amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The ship was en route to Gujarat’s Kandla port when it was struck.
The Thai-flagged vessel was hit by what its operator, Precious Shipping, initially described as “two projectiles of unknown origin,” triggering a fire that damaged the engine room. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards subsequently confirmed in a statement that they had fired Iranian projectiles at the bulk carrier while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Precious Shipping said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters, that three crew members are reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room. Officials confirmed that 20 crew members had been rescued after abandoning the vessel and being pulled from the water. Search operations for the three missing sailors were ongoing.
In its condemnation, the MEA said: “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attacks in the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Precious lives, including of Indian citizens, have already been lost in multiple such attacks in the earlier phase of this conflict, and the intensity and lethality of the attacks only seems to be increasing.” The ministry reiterated that targeting commercial ships and endangering the lives of civilian crew members should be avoided.
The Mayuree Naree had departed Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was passing through the Strait of Hormuz — the world’s most critical oil chokepoint when it was struck. The Royal Thai Navy said heavy smoke was seen rising from the vessel’s hull and superstructure following the attack. The 178-metre bulk carrier has a displacement of approximately 30,000 tonnes.
“The specific details and cause of the attack are currently under investigation,” the Royal Thai Navy said in a statement.
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