IRGC Attacks Thai Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz; 20 Rescued, Three Crew Missing

On March 11 three cargo vessels were reported struck by “unknown projectiles” in the Strait of Hormuz, including a Thai-flagged bulk carrier identified as the Mayuree Naree; the UKMTO posted alerts and multiple outlets said at least one of the strikes was claimed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“20 crew members rescued after 3 vessels attacked, including Thai cargo ship, near Strait of Hormuz MAYUREE NAREE hit near its stern while sailing in waters near Oman, reports local media - Another ship damaged, belongs to Japanese shipping company, reports media ISTANBUL Twenty crew members were reported to have been rescued while three are still on a Thai-flagged cargo ship after it was "fired upon" near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, according to local media, citing the Thai Navy”

Anadolu Agency

The Independent Journal Review reported that the UKMTO “posted several alerts Wednesday morning that ships in the strait had been struck by ‘unknown projectiles,’” and added that “Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for at least one of three strikes on civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.”

Anadolu Agency

Newsweek also said “At least three cargo vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz this morning,” and multiple regional sources described the Thai ship as one of the vessels hit.

The vessel struck most heavily was the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree, which multiple outlets said sustained explosions and fire after being hit; authorities reported 23 Thai nationals were on board, 20 were rescued and three crew members remained missing.

Zee News stated the ship “was hit by an unknown missile… causing a fire onboard,” and gave a location around 11 nautical miles off Oman.

Business Today

WebIndia123 and rediff echoed Bangkok Post reporting that “Two projectiles struck the vessel above the waterline, causing explosions near the stern and in the engine room and triggering a fire on board,” and Bloomberg noted the Mayuree Naree “sustained significant damage” while officials said “three crew members remain unaccounted for.”

Rescue and coordination efforts were immediate: regional navies and Thai authorities coordinated evacuations and search operations while the Royal Thai Navy and Combined Maritime Forces handled consular and logistical follow-up.

“A Thai-flagged cargo ship - Mayuree Naree - was attacked while sailing through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, BBC reported, citing Thailand's navy”

Business Today

Anadolu Agency reported that “Twenty crew members were reported to have been rescued” and that Thailand’s naval personnel “coordinated with authorities in Oman to assist the ship’s 23 crew members.”

The National Herald likewise said “20 crew members rescued so far and search operations under way for three others, the Royal Thai Navy said,” and WebIndia123 added that “the Royal Thai Navy said it is coordinating the response through the Combined Maritime Forces headquarters in Bahrain” and liaising with embassies and maritime agencies.

The incidents occurred amid heightened regional tensions and concerns about maritime security in a chokepoint that carries roughly one-fifth to one-quarter of global seaborne oil; outlets linked the attacks to wider hostilities and noted prior Iranian threats and U.S. countermeasures.

Independent Journal Review noted the IRGC warned it had the “right to control the passage through the Strait of Hormuz” and that “Everyone must comply,” while Newsweek said Iran had “vowing that 'not one liter' of oil would make it through the channel.”

Independent Journal Review

Anadolu Agency observed the strait “carries around 20 million barrels of oil daily” and said the disruption “has already pushed oil prices above” since earlier strikes. Newsweek also reported the U.S. said it had “destroyed 16 Iranian minelaying vessels” near the strait.

Responsibility for the three separate strikes remains partially unclear and under investigation: while the IRGC has been quoted claiming at least one strike, several sources caution that not all attacks have been formally attributed and some reports cast doubt on specific hits.

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for at least one of three strikes on civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday”

Independent Journal Review

The Independent Journal Review said the IRGC “claimed responsibility for at least one of three strikes,” but also noted “Iran has not claimed responsibility for the other two strikes at the time of publication.”

National Herald

Anadolu Agency reported that a Japan-linked ship was identified among the vessels but cited NHK and a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official saying “it is unlikely that the ship was attacked,” and multiple outlets including the National Herald and Bloomberg said investigations were ongoing to determine attackers and weapons.