Survivors of Strait of Hormuz Attack Sue Thai Shipping Firm Over Safety Failures

Three Thai seafarers who survived a deadly missile attack on the cargo ship Mayuree Naree in the Strait of Hormuz have filed a lawsuit against their employer, Precious Shipping Plc, accusing the company of negligence for sending the vessel through one of the world’s most dangerous maritime corridors despite escalating security risks.

The lawsuit was filed before Thailand’s Labour Court, where the former crew members are seeking at least 1 million baht (about $30,000) each in compensation. They allege that the company failed in its duty of care by allowing the ship to sail through a conflict zone and later provided inadequate support after the attack.

The Mayuree Naree, a Thailand-flagged bulk carrier, came under missile attack in March while transiting the Strait of Hormuz during heightened regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The strike caused severe damage to the vessel, forcing most of the crew to abandon ship. Three crew members were killed in the incident after becoming trapped aboard the vessel.

The three plaintiffs; identified as Panithi Tumkaew, Noppadon Wongsuvan, and Surades Manpuen, say they have since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and remain unable to return to work at sea. Their legal team argues that the emotional and psychological impact of the attack has significantly affected their livelihoods and quality of life.

According to court documents, the former sailors also claim they were unfairly dismissed after the incident and that the compensation offered by the shipping company; reportedly two months’ salary and reimbursement for personal belongings lost during the attack, fell far short of international labour standards.

Lawyer Kunpat Singhathong, representing the crew members, argued that employers have a legal obligation to assess security risks before sending workers into active conflict zones. He said the case is not only about financial compensation but also about establishing stronger protections for merchant seafarers operating in high-risk waters.

Precious Shipping Plc has rejected allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that it complied with all contractual and legal obligations. The company said it expressed condolences to the families of those who died and has continued to provide support to affected crew members while cooperating with relevant authorities.

The case has drawn international attention to the growing dangers facing commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas exports passes. Maritime security risks in the region have intensified following attacks on commercial vessels, prompting shipping companies to reassess routes, insurance costs and crew safety procedures.

Labour rights advocates say the outcome of the lawsuit could set an important precedent for the maritime industry by clarifying the responsibilities of shipping companies when operating in conflict zones. If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, the decision could influence future compensation standards and employer obligations toward seafarers exposed to armed conflict.

The Thai Labour Court has agreed to hear the case, with proceedings expected to continue in the coming months as both sides prepare their arguments. The lawsuit comes amid renewed international concern over the safety of commercial vessels navigating one of the world’s most strategically important and volatile shipping routes.