NEW DELHI / TEHRAN — Global maritime trade faces a burgeoning crisis as the military confrontation in West Asia intensifies. On Wednesday evening, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a stern condemnation following a targeted attack on the Thai-flagged commercial vessel, Mayuri Nari, while it was transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The vessel was en route from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Kandla Port in Gujarat, India, when it was struck.
Revolutionary Guards Claim Responsibility
In an official statement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the assault, confirming they launched projectiles at the merchant ship. The attack occurred in one of the world's most critical and narrow maritime chokepoints, essential for global oil and commodity transit.
The Royal Thai Navy reported that the projectiles caused a direct hit, resulting in significant structural damage. Thick plumes of smoke were observed billowing from the vessel’s hull and superstructure immediately following the impact.
Search and Rescue Operations Underway
The Mayuri Nari is a substantial bulk carrier, measuring 178 meters in length with a displacement of approximately 30,000 tons. The severity of the strike forced the crew to abandon ship.
- Evacuation: Emergency responders successfully rescued 20 crew members from the water.
- Missing Personnel: Three crew members remain unaccounted for. Preliminary reports suggest they may be trapped within the vessel’s engine room.
- Status: Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing despite the volatile security environment.
India Calls for Protection of Commercial Shipping
Expressing "deep distress" over the incident, the Indian government highlighted the deteriorating security situation in West Asian waters. The MEA emphasized that the targeting of commercial vessels and innocent civilian seafarers is an unacceptable violation of international norms.
"The increasing frequency and lethality of these attacks pose a grave threat to global maritime commerce and the safety of innocent lives," the Ministry stated, noting that previous incidents in this conflict have already claimed the lives of several individuals, including Indian nationals.
India has urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and ensure that commercial shipping lanes—the lifeblood of the global economy—remain insulated from military hostilities.
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