Hopes fade for Hormuz seafarers missing from missile-hit Precious bulker
Families of the three missing crew members have been informed


Precious Shipping’s managing director Khalid Hashim.
Photo: Marine Money
Karen Ng
Singapore

Casualties
Published 30 March 2026, 08:55
Three seafarers remain missing after a Precious Shipping bulker was struck by an Iranian missile in the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March, despite an extensive search.

A specialist team boarded the 30,000-dwt Mayuree Naree (built 2008) after receiving permission from local authorities, Precious said in an update to investors.

The vessel was hit while transiting the Strait of Hormuz to exit the Middle East Gulf and subsequently grounded after drifting following the attack.


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“The search was carried out under challenging conditions, including the presence of fire damage, residual smoke and flooding in the engine room, and all accessible areas were examined to the extent possible,” said Precious.

“Despite these efforts, the company regrets to inform that the search team was unable to locate any of the three missing crew members.”

The Thai shipowner said it had updated the families of the crew on the situation.


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The bulker was crewed by 23 seafarers, of whom 20 were found and repatriated to Thailand.

At that time, the three missing seafarers were believed to be trapped in the vessel’s engine room.

Last week, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported 13 seafarer deaths after four weeks of attacks.


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And earlier in the war, at least four seafarers were killed and others seriously injured after two missiles struck a salvage tug that was sent to aid the 1,740-teu Safeen Prestige (built 2013).

The container ship had been abandoned after it was attacked while attempting to transit the strait.

Precious said it will continue to liaise with the relevant parties and consider any further appropriate steps in relation to this matter.

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Published 30 March 2026, 08:55
Updated 30 March 2026, 09:06