Three sailors seek damages from Precious Shipping after a deadly attack on their vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming trauma and inadequate compensation.
Thailand's Labour Court has accepted a petition from three sailors seeking damages after a deadly attack on their cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz in March, reports Reuters.
The petition seeks at least one million baht (US$30,000) for each sailor from companies and agencies linked to vessel owner Precious Shipping and its captain. Three men died and 20 were rescued after two projectiles struck the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree on March 11.
Lawyer Kunpat Singhathong stated that the sailors accused their employers of ordering them into dangerous waters during the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, leaving them traumatized and unable to continue working. He mentioned that all three have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mr. Singhathong added that the sailors had so far received two months' wages and compensation for lost belongings. One plaintiff, Panithi Tumkaew, 43, said he now requires sedatives to sleep and is unable to work. Another, Noppadon Wongsuvan, 33, called the compensation inadequate and not up to international standards.
Precious Shipping stated in a message to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that it has not been served with court documents but insisted it fulfilled its obligations under law and contracts. The company claimed it has continuously provided care and support to affected crew members and their families.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard had warned that ships would be targeted after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Several vessels were hit before the Mayuree Naree's passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas exports.
