20 Thai Sailors Return Home After Ship Attack in Strait of Hormuz, 3 Crew Still Trapped

Twenty Thai sailors safely returned home on Monday after their cargo ship was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. However, three crew members are still stranded on the damaged vessel, raising concern among their families and officials in Thailand.

The sailors were part of the crew of the Thai-registered cargo ship Mayuree Naree. The ship was hit by two projectiles last Wednesday while travelling through the Gulf waters after leaving a port in the United Arab Emirates. The attack happened during rising tensions in the Middle East, where several countries are involved in a growing conflict.

The ship’s owner, Precious Shipping, confirmed that 20 crew members were rescued and safely brought back to Thailand. They arrived early Monday at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Officials escorted them away from the airport soon after landing, and the sailors did not speak to the media.

According to officials, the rescue operation was carried out by the Royal Navy of Oman, which helped evacuate the sailors from the damaged vessel. However, three crew members are still believed to be trapped inside the ship. The shipping company said the engine room was badly damaged during the attack, and the missing crew members may still be inside that area.

The attack was claimed by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran. The group said it targeted the Thai cargo ship and another vessel flying the Liberian flag because they had ignored warnings while passing through the strait. The statement has raised serious concerns about the safety of international shipping in the region.

Family members of the sailors waited anxiously at the airport to see their loved ones. One woman, who identified herself as Bass, said she had been very worried about her husband during the incident. She brought their one-year-old son to the airport because her husband had asked to see the child after the frightening experience.

Bass said she had only been able to communicate with her husband through Facebook Messenger during the crisis. She explained that when the attack happened, her husband quickly grabbed his phones and escaped the area to save his life. He later apologised to her because he had left behind a small pillow that their son had given him before the trip.

The worried wife also said she hopes shipping companies will take better care of their workers during times of war. She explained that sailors often have no choice but to continue working because they need the income to support their families. According to her, employees should be treated like family and given better protection when travelling through dangerous areas.

Precious Shipping said it plans to provide support for the rescued crew members. The company stated that the sailors will receive medical checkups as well as mental health support after the traumatic event. Officials added that their main priority is now locating and rescuing the three crew members who remain missing on the vessel.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s foreign ministry said the government is working with other countries to help rescue the trapped sailors. Authorities are coordinating with international partners to ensure the safety of the remaining crew and to gather more information about the attack.

The situation is part of a wider conflict that has increased tensions across the Middle East. In recent weeks, attacks and military actions involving Iran, the United States and Israel have led to serious security concerns in the region.

The attacks have also created risks for ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow waterway is extremely important because around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes through it every day. Any disruption in this route can affect global energy markets and international trade.

As tensions continue, governments and shipping companies are closely monitoring the situation. For now, the safe return of the 20 Thai sailors has brought relief to their families, but many are still waiting for good news about the three crew members who remain trapped on the damaged ship.