Twenty Thai sailors rescued after their cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz have returned home, arriving at Thailand's main international airport early Monday morning. The crew members were quickly escorted away by government officials and not permitted to speak with waiting journalists.
The bulk carrier, Mayuree Naree, registered in Thailand, was hit by two projectiles while sailing through the strategic waterway last Wednesday after departing from a port in the UAE. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility, stating the Thai vessel and another Liberian-flagged ship were struck after ignoring warnings.
Three crew members remain missing in the Persian Gulf. The vessel's owner, Precious Shipping, said in a statement that its highest priority is locating the missing sailors, who are believed to be trapped in the engine room, which suffered heavy damage. Thailand's foreign ministry is seeking assistance from two countries to find them.
One sailor's wife, identified as Bass, expressed anxiety over the lack of communication. 'We are all afraid but they are employees,' the 32-year-old told AFP. 'If they refuse to go out to sea, they won't get paid.' She said the company had not informed her of her husband's whereabouts or return plans, and her only contact with him during the crisis was via Facebook Messenger.
The rescued sailors were saved by the Omani navy on Wednesday, according to Thailand's navy. Precious Shipping said it would provide welfare support, including medical examinations and mental health assessments. The attack occurred amid heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the US and Israel's war against Iran, raising concerns about shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
