• A Thai cargo ship was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday.
• 20 crew members have been rescued while three remain missing.
• Omani naval forces are conducting ongoing search and rescue operations.
• The Mayuree Naree was reportedly struck by projectiles while en route to India.
• Heightened tensions in the region have raised concerns over maritime security.

A Thai-flagged bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with 20 of its 23 crew members rescued by the Omani navy, while three remain unaccounted for. The ship was reportedly struck by two projectiles, resulting in explosions and a fire in the engine room, where the missing crew members were believed to be working at the time, according to Bangkok Post and South China Morning Post.

The carrier had departed from Khalifa Port in the UAE and was en route to Kandla, India when it came under attack. The Royal Thai Navy stated that it is coordinating with various authorities including the Omani navy and relevant Thai embassies to ensure the safety and return of the crew, as reported by India Times and Channel News Asia.

The incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating tensions in the region, with reports of at least three vessels being struck by unknown projectiles in the area recently. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding these attacks, and heightened maritime security remains a critical concern for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital route for global oil shipments, according to Anadolu Agency and South China Morning Post.