Kandla: A Thai-flagged cargo vessel heading to India came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, with thick black smoke seen rising from the ship, according to the Royal Thai Navy. Twenty crew members have been rescued, while three sailors are still missing.

The vessel, Mayuree Naree, a bulk carrier owned by Thai company Precious Shipping PCL, had departed from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates and was on its way to Kandla Port in Gujarat when it was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Photographs released by the Thai Navy showed heavy black smoke emerging from the ship’s hull and upper structure, with life rafts floating in the surrounding waters. Officials said the exact cause of the attack is under investigation, and no group has claimed responsibility so far.

According to an official statement, the Omani Navy rescued 20 crew members, and search operations are underway to locate the remaining three sailors.

Gujarat-Bound Thai Cargo Ship Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; 20 Crew Members Rescued; 3 Missinghttps://t.co/dEz3WckEsX pic.twitter.com/EsESPqjORs

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The ship is about 178 metres long and has a capacity of nearly 30,000 tonnes, officials said.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran. Tehran has repeatedly warned about possible threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most crucial routes for global oil and cargo transport.

Meanwhile, Indian officials said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Strait of Hormuz region. Of these, 24 vessels are west of the Strait of Hormuz with 677 Indian seafarers on board, while four vessels are east of the Strait carrying 101 Indian seafarers. DeshGujarat