Heavy black smoke was seen billowing from the Thai-registered cargo vessel Mayuree Naree, with life rafts floating nearby, according to photos shared by the Royal Thai Navy. The incident occurred amid rising tensions in the region, with Iran reportedly striking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, India condemned the attack on the Mayuree Naree, which was en route to Kandla in Gujarat. The Ministry of External Affairs expressed concern over the targeting of commercial shipping, emphasizing that such actions should be avoided. “India deplores the fact that commercial shipping is being made a target of military attack since the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” the statement read.
The ministry confirmed that two Indian nationals aboard the vessel had lost their lives, with one still missing. “Casualties occurred when Indian nationals were aboard merchant vessels attacked in conflict-affected waters,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that several Indians have been injured in the Gulf region, including one in Israel and another in Dubai.
Iran has halted cargo traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20% of the world’s oil shipments. Iranian forces announced they targeted the Liberian-flagged container ship Express Rome and the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree, claiming both vessels ignored warnings to stop. IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri stated that any vessel passing through must obtain permission from Iran.
Iran’s military also warned that ships owned by the United States, Israel, or their allies would be considered legitimate targets, vowing to prevent any oil from transiting the strait.
Analysts warn that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial passage for global oil, fertilizers, and other commodities—could have devastating effects on the global economy, especially in Asia and Europe. The US military reported that it had destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels capable of blocking the strait, but attacks on ships have continued, with at least three vessels hit on Wednesday.
