STRAIT OF HORMUZ — A Thai flagged bulk carrier, identified as the Mayuree Naree, was struck by an unknown projectile on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, while transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes, Thai authorities and maritime sources reported. The attack underscores escalating risks to civilian maritime traffic amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The vessel was hit about 11 nautical miles north of Oman, triggering an explosion at the stern and a fire in the engine room. According to Thailand’s Transport Ministry, the Mayuree Naree had 23 Thai crew members on board. Twenty crews were rescued after abandoning ship and were brought ashore by the Royal Thai Navy and Omani naval forces in Khasab, while three crew remain missing or unaccounted for, authorities said.
The incident occurred amid heightened instability in the region, where multiple commercial vessels have been struck by projectiles in recent days. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that three ships were hit in the Strait on the same day, as attacks on shipping routes have increased since the conflict escalated.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy exports, handling about 20 % of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Attacks on civilian vessels highlight the growing dangers for commercial traffic and raise concerns about disruptions to global supply chains and energy markets.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing crew members, with the Royal Thai Navy and international maritime agencies coordinating search and rescue operations. The cause of the strike — and whether it was intentional or collateral fire — remains under investigation, and no group has immediately claimed responsibility.
The attack on the Thai bulk carrier comes as tensions in the Gulf remain high, with naval and air hostilities between Iran and coalition forces spanning recent weeks. These confrontations have significantly reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened global geopolitical and economic anxieties.