A Thai-flagged cargo ship was damaged in an incident in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, leaving three Thai crew members unaccounted for while 20 others were rescued, Thai authorities said.

The vessel, Mayuree Naree, owned by Precious Shipping Public Company Limited, was struck at the stern after departing from Khalifa Port in the United Arab Emirates, according to statements from Thailand's Marine Department of Thailand and the Royal Thai Navy. The ship had 23 Thai crew members on board.

Thai authorities said they immediately coordinated with several agencies, including the Thai embassy in Muscat, Oman, to seek assistance.

Panidone Pachimsawat, acting director-general of the Department of Information and deputy spokesperson for Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the embassy worked with Oman's Foreign Ministry to provide urgent support.

The Royal Navy of Oman has rescued 20 Thai crew members, while search and rescue efforts continue for the remaining three. The rescued sailors were brought ashore at Khasab.

Thai officials said the embassy is seeking permission to travel to the area, which remains under a no-fly restriction. Reaching the location by land would take about six hours and require passing through the United Arab Emirates.

The Thai Foreign Ministry said the rescued crew members were reported safe and that efforts were continuing to locate the three missing sailors while authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.