20 Thai sailors coming home from Gulf on Monday

Efforts continue to rescue three others from stricken cargo ship Mayuree Naree

Twenty Thai sailors who were rescued from the missile-struck cargo ship MV Mayuree Naree are scheduled to arrive back in Thailand from the Middle East on Monday, the Ministry of Labour said on Saturday.

The 20 crew members have been resting at a hotel in Khasab, Oman, after being rescued from the bulk cargo carrier on March 11, said Santi Nantasuwan, the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary.

One sailor had received medical treatment in Oman for a hand injury and was now resting at the hotel with his colleagues, said Mr Santi, citing reports from Precious Shipping Plc, the owner of the vessel.

“The company has also been providing them with online mental health counselling,” he added.

Precious Shipping said three crew members are still trapped onboard the MV Mayuree Naree. Attempts to rescue them were complicated by the dangerous military situation in and around the Strait of Hormuz, it said.

The company has told the labour ministry that the sailors would receive full salary and special compensation for working in the Middle East in accordance with international labour law.

The employer will also pay full compensation for their personal belongings that they needed to leave behind when the ship was struck by two Iranian missiles.

“The company guarantees the employment of these sailors immediately when they are ready to get back to work,” Mr Santi added.