Image by MarineTraffic ( image credit: Dhaval Gadhvi)
A Thai-flagged bulk carrier that was disabled by an attack in the Strait of Hormuz has run aground on Iran’s Qeshm Island. The Mayuree Naree grounding occurred on March 27, 2026, after the vessel drifted for over two weeks following a targeted strike that left it without propulsion. As of March 30, specialised search-and-rescue teams have completed an inspection of the stricken vessel but report that three missing crew members remain unaccounted for.
The incident began on the morning of March 11, 2026, when the Mayuree Naree was transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The 30,000-deadweight-ton vessel, owned by Bangkok-based Precious Shipping Pcl, was sailing in ballast after departing Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates, en route to Kandla Port in Gujarat, India. According to reports from the Royal Thai Navy and maritime security agencies, the ship was struck by two projectiles above the waterline. The impact caused an explosion in the stern and ignited a significant fire in the engine room, effectively disabling the ship’s primary systems.
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Of the 23 crew members on board, all of whom were Thai nationals, 20 managed to abandon the vessel in liferafts shortly after the attack. They were subsequently rescued by the Royal Navy of Oman and transported to safety in Khasab. However, three crew members were reported missing immediately following the evacuation, with officials fearing they had become trapped in the engine room during the initial blast and subsequent fire.
Following the abandonment, the Mayuree Naree was left drifting in one of the world’s most congested and politically sensitive waterways. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global energy markets, handling approximately one-quarter of the world’s seaborne oil trade. The attack on the Thai bulker was one of 21 confirmed strikes on merchant vessels in the region since the start of March 2026, amid an escalating conflict involving regional and international powers.
After drifting for 16 days, the vessel eventually washed ashore near the village of Ramchah on the southern coast of Qeshm Island, an Iranian territory known for its strategic military facilities. On March 30, 2026, Precious Shipping Managing Director Khalid M. Hashim confirmed that a specialist search team had finally been able to board and inspect the grounded ship.
The search operation was described as exceptionally difficult due to extensive fire damage, residual smoke, and flooding within the engine room. Despite a thorough examination of all accessible areas where the missing sailors were last seen, the team found no sign of the three men. The company has informed the families of the missing seafarers and stated it will continue to coordinate with Iranian and Omani authorities regarding further steps.
While the human toll remains the primary concern, the grounding also presents environmental and logistical challenges. Although the ship was not carrying cargo at the time of the attack, it contained an undetermined amount of fuel oil. Regional observers have raised concerns about potential leaks from abandoned vessels in the area, noting that other damaged ships, such as the container ship Safeen Prestige, have also been reported as drifting or burning in the Gulf.
The Mayuree Naree, built in 2008 and originally named Good Princess, is covered by war-risk insurance. Precious Shipping has indicated that while the loss of the vessel is a significant operational event, it does not expect a material financial impact on the company’s overall stability. Nevertheless, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the mounting risks facing commercial shipping in the Middle East. Global maritime organisations continue to monitor the situation as authorities work to secure the waterway and prevent further tragedies.
