Human remains have been discovered aboard a Thai-flagged cargo vessel that was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last month, according to the vessel’s owner and Thai officials. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said search teams found the remains on the bulk carrier Mayuree Naree during a second boarding operation, which was conducted under difficult conditions due to severe fire damage and flooding in the engine room. The vessel’s owner, Precious Shipping, confirmed the discovery but said it could not yet determine the number of individuals or their identities.
The company has informed the families of three crew members who had been reported missing following the incident. A total of 20 Thai crew members were rescued earlier and returned home in mid-March after being evacuated by the Omani navy.
The ship was transiting the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March when it was struck, sustaining heavy damage to its aft section. The attack triggered a major fire and led to flooding in mechanical compartments, complicating search efforts. The foreign ministry said it was “saddened” by the discovery and would work with Thai embassies, Iranian authorities and forensic specialists to establish identities.
The attack occurred amid escalating regional conflict. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted the Mayuree Naree and a Liberia-flagged vessel because the ships had ignored warnings. The cargo vessel was travelling in ballast from Khalifa port in the UAE at the time.
Precious Shipping said the vessel is covered by war-risk insurance and does not expect a material financial impact. The United Nations Security Council postponed a vote on authorising the use of force to protect shipping in the waterway.
