Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow announced on 17/3 that Iran has agreed to assist in the rescue of three Thai engineers trapped on the cargo ship Mayuree Naree. The engineers are believed to be in the damaged engine room, awaiting extraction, after the vessel was attacked last week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed in a phone call that Tehran would dispatch its navy for the rescue.

The Mayuree Naree, a Thai-registered vessel owned by Precious Shipping, was struck by two objects off the coast of Oman six days prior, according to the Thai Foreign Minister. The ship had a crew of 23. The Omani navy safely evacuated 20 crew members, who returned to Thailand on the morning of 16/3.

Oman is leading the ongoing search and rescue operation for the three trapped engineers. However, the mission faces difficulties as the ship drifts between Omani and Iranian waters. This area is considered hazardous due to conflicts in the Middle East over the past two weeks.

Image of the cargo ship Mayuree Naree emitting black smoke after being attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, published on 11/3. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for attacking the Mayuree Naree and a Liberia-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated the ships had ignored prior warnings. IRGC Navy Commander Alireza Tangsiri asserted that all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz must seek permission from Iran.

Bangkok has formally requested Tehran to facilitate safe passage for Thai cargo ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: AP

Foreign Minister Phuangketkeow also spoke with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He thanked both nations for their assistance to Thai citizens and for facilitating the return of the 20 crew members.

Precious Shipping, the ship's owner, committed to providing welfare support for the crew, including medical check-ups and mental health assessments. The company emphasized that its priority remains the search and rescue efforts for the three remaining trapped crew members.

By Thanh Danh (Source: Thai Enquirer, CNA, Pattaya Mail)