Three seafarers missing in Middle East Gulf strikes
- Two bulkers and a containership have been damaged in this morning’s attacks
- A fire erupted on board one bulker, with three crew believed to be trapped inside
- There have been at least 10 attacks on vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict
The three vessels are thought to be owned by Star Bulk, MOL and Precious Shipping
THREE seafarers are missing after an attack on a bulk carrier caused a fire on board. It is feared the three crew members are still trapped inside.
The incident occurred on Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree (IMO: 9323649) at 0415 hrs, 11 nautical miles north of Oman while the bulker was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Mayuree Naree was struck by two projectiles, owner Precious Shipping said in a statement, damaging the vessel’s engine room and causing a fire.
The company said it is working with the relevant authorities to rescue the three missing crew members. The other 20 crew members have been safely evacuated and are now ashore in Oman.
Two other vessels were also struck in the region on March 11.
Japan-flagged, MOL-owned, 6,724 teu containership One Majesty (IMO: 9424912) sustained damage from what is thought by UKMTO to be a projectile at 0158 hrs, while at anchor 25 nautical miles off Ras al Khaimah, UAE.
According to a Lloyd’s List Intelligence casualty report, the vessel’s hull is damaged above the waterline, though the ship remains fully operational and seaworthy, MOL confirmed.
ONE Majesty is deployed on Ocean Network Express’ WIN service connecting West India to US East Coast and has been trapped inside the Middle East Gulf since the outbreak of hostilities.
Shortly afterwards, at 0205 hrs, a bulk carrier was hit 50 nautical miles northwest of Dubai, UAE. Security company Vanguard has identified the vessel as Marshall Islands-flagged, 82,790 dwt, Star Bulk-owned Star Gwyneth (IMO: 9301031), though this has not been confirmed.
Vanguard said the bulker sustained damage to its hull, but the master has reported all crew as safe and no environmental impact has been observed.
UKMTO warned all the vessels in the area to transit with caution as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards continue to threaten ships sailing through the strait.
At least 10 cargo carrying vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked after the war started on February 28.
