Bangkok, 11 March (H.S.):

On the 12th day of West Asia's military conflict, a Thai-registered cargo ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack on Wednesday, with its 23 crew members safely rescued amid heightened maritime security fears.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported three commercial ships targeted in the area, including the Thai vessel and two others, marking the first such incident in 12 days. Crews remain safe, but investigations into perpetrators and motives continue as concerns over sea lane safety resurface.

Royal Thai Navy sources, cited by Xinhua and local media, detailed the assault on the bulk carrier Mayuri Naree, owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping. Departing UAE's Khalifa Port, the ship was hit while navigating the strait; 20 crew reached safety in Oman's Khasab, while three assist ongoing salvage efforts.

Seatrade Maritime reported the Mayuri Naree caught fire after striking an unknown object 11 nautical miles off Oman's coast, with flames later extinguished. A Japan-registered vessel, One Majesty of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, sustained a 10 cm hull breach 25 nautical miles from Ras Al Khaimah but proceeded safely; a third ship, 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, also collided without crew casualties.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar