Iranian Attack on Thai-Flagged Mayuree Naree Escalates Strait of Hormuz Tensions

On 11/03/2026, the conflict in the Persian Gulf intensified when Iranian forces attacked the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree while it transited the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel, operated by Thailand-based Precious Shipping, was struck by two projectiles that hit near the stern and engine room, triggering a fire and forcing much of the crew to abandon ship. The attack occurred amid a broader wave of maritime incidents linked to escalating hostilities in the region that had begun in late February 2026. The Mayuree Naree carried 23 Thai crew members at the time of the strike. Twenty sailors evacuated in liferafts and were rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman, while three crew members were reported missing and believed to be trapped in the engine room after the explosions. Maritime reporting indicated the ship was transiting the strait when the projectiles hit, causing severe engine-room damage and leaving the vessel disabled. The incident was described as one of the most serious ship attacks during that phase of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that the vessel had ignored warnings not to enter the restricted waterway. The attack took place alongside other reported strikes on commercial ships that day, contributing to disruptions in one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints for oil and gas transport. The incident also prompted diplomatic reactions and increased concern among shipping operators navigating the Gulf.