Key facts
- Survivors of the Mayuree Naree attack in the Strait of Hormuz plan to sue the vessel's owners.
- Three crew members remain missing following the March 11 Iranian strike.
- The Mayuree Naree was attempting to leave the Persian Gulf when it was hit.
- The ship's crew chose to sail through the Strait of Hormuz despite warnings due to the war situation.
- Iran has been targeting ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman as part of the ongoing conflict.
Survivors of an Iranian strike on the cargo ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz are preparing to sue the vessel's owners in Bangkok, recounting the terror of the attack. Three crew members remain missing following the March 11 incident.
Kiattisak Pawaphuchake, an electrician aboard the Mayuree Naree, was last seen near the engine room when Iranian projectiles tore through the hull. His wife, Jarinporn Manowan, learned of the attack through television reports and confirmed it was her husband's ship. Kiattisak had promised his family he would retire this year but is now among the three missing sailors.
The Mayuree Naree, owned by Thai company Precious Shipping PCL, had been stranded in the Persian Gulf for approximately 10 days due to the escalating war. The crew decided to attempt an escape from the Middle East by sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, despite warnings from the Royal Thai Navy. The ship was traveling close to its top speed when it was struck.
Maritime security analyst Jennifer Parker noted that Iran's attacks have extended beyond the strait, with numerous ships being targeted throughout the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Reports indicate that at least 20 ships have been attacked in the region since the war began, with Iran using these strikes to disrupt the global economy and pressure its adversaries.