Thai-flagged ships warned of mines in the seas of the Middle East

The Royal Thai Navy (RTN) has issued advice to Thai-flagged ships to exercise extra caution when navigating the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz due to the possible presence of sea mines.

RTN Spokesman Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaipan told the media today that there is a possibility that sea mines have been laid in those areas.

For their safety, he said that the Thai ships should avoid those high risk areas unless it is absolutely necessary and that ship owners should assess the risk and take additional safety measures, in compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and Best Management Practices.

The ship owners should also monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and follow the recommendations of maritime safety agencies, while the ships themselves must maintain constant radio contact via established maritime frequencies and respond to maritime safety agencies in high risk areas.

Parach also said that the RTN has provided guidance to Thai vessels about what to do if they encounter sea mines.