Escalating attacks on commercial vessels in Middle East leave three seafarers missing

Two bulk carriers and one container vessel have been targeted in attacks on 11 March, with three seafarers missing from one of the attacked vessels.

In what appears to be the most serious incident, 2008-built Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles of unknown origin while transiting the Strait of Hormuz at approximately 08:15 local time on 11 March, owner Precious Shipping said.

According to the company’s disclosure to the Thai stock exchange, the strike damaged the vessel’s engine room and caused a fire.

Precious Shipping said three crew members are reported missing and are believed to be trapped in the engine room. The owner said it is working with the relevant authorities to rescue the seafarers.

The remaining 20 crew members were safely evacuated and are now ashore in Oman. Precious Shipping added that it is coordinating with authorities to repatriate the crew to Thailand.

The owner also said Mayuree Naree is covered by war risk insurance, while there is no loss of cargo as the vessel was sailing in ballast.

Precious Shipping added that prior to and during the transit, the vessel “implemented enhanced security precautions and maintained communication with the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and other relevant maritime security coordination centres.”

Minor damage to container vessel

In a separate incident, 2010-built container vessel ONE Majesty “experienced an impact” while at anchor in the Persian Gulf on 11 March. The vessel is owned by MOL, while ONE is the charterer.

A ONE spokesperson told Riviera that all crew are accounted for and there are no reports of injuries or pollution.

An inspection of the hull revealed minor damage above the waterline.

“ONE has been informed that the vessel remains fully operational and seaworthy. ONE is assisting the vessel’s owner in its investigation and response to the incident,” the company added.

Greek-owned bulk carrier

Separately, UKMTO reported on 11 March that the master of a bulk carrier said the vessel had been hit by an unknown projectile about 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Shipping security sources identified the vessel as 2006-built Star Gwyneth, which is owned by Greece-based, US-listed Star Bulk.

The company has not yet commented on the incident. Greek media, however, reported that the seafarers on board are safe, while the vessel has not suffered serious damage and no environmental pollution has been caused.

This was also reported by UKMTO.

Notably, Kpler data shared with Riviera show that another Star Bulk-owned vessel, 2007-built Star Maria, transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent days. According to the same source, it has been the only Western-operated vessel to pass through the critical waterway since 6 March, alongside another Greek-owned tanker.