* Thailand-flagged bulk carrier damaged off Oman

* Most crew evacuated, three feared missing

* Japan-flagged container ship and Greek-owned bulk

carrier sustain minor damage

(Updates throughout with context, companies' statements,

details)

DUBAI, March 11 (Reuters) - Three vessels have been hit

by unknown projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz, maritime

security and risk firms said on Wednesday, bringing the number

of ships struck in the region since the Iran conflict began to

at least 14.

Shipping along the narrow strait has come to a near

standstill since the United States and Israel began strikes on

Iran on February 28, preventing exports of around a fifth of the

world's oil supply and sending global oil prices surging to

highs not seen since 2022.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have warned that any ship

passing through the Strait will be targeted. U.S. President

Donald Trump has threatened to ramp up U.S. attacks on Iran if

it continues to obstruct the strait.

The Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree dry bulk vessel had been

struck by "two projectiles of unknown origin" while sailing

through the Strait on Wednesday, causing a fire and damaging the

engine room, the ship's Thai-listed operator Precious Shipping

said in a statement.

"Three crew members are reported missing and believed to be

trapped in the engine room," Precious Shipping said.

"The company is working with the relevant authorities to

rescue these three missing crew members," it said, adding that

the remaining 20 crew members had been safely evacuated and were

ashore in Oman.

Images provided by the Thai navy showed smoke pouring out of

the back of the ship.

The U.S. Navy has refused near-daily requests from the

shipping industry for military escorts through the Strait of

Hormuz since ​the start of the war on Iran, saying the risk of

attacks is too high for now, sources familiar with the matter

told Reuters. Trump has said the U.S. is prepared to provide

naval escorts whenever needed.

TWO OTHER SHIPS SUSTAIN MINOR DAMAGE

Earlier on Wednesday, the Japan-flagged container ship ONE

Majesty sustained minor damage from an unknown projectile 25

nautical miles (46 km) northwest of Ras Al Khaimah in the United

Arab Emirates, two maritime security firms said.

Its Japanese owner Mitsui O.S.K. Lines ( MSLOF ) and a

spokesperson for Ocean Network Express (ONE), its charterer,

said that the vessel was struck while at anchor in the Gulf and

inspection of the hull had revealed minor damage above the

waterline.

All crew are safe, they said, adding that the vessel remains

fully operational and seaworthy. The owner said the cause of the

incident remained unclear and was under investigation.

A third vessel, a bulk carrier, was also hit by an unknown

projectile approximately 50 miles northwest of Dubai, maritime

security firms said.

The projectile had damaged the hull of the Marshall

Islands-flagged Star Gwyneth, maritime risk management company

Vanguard said, adding that the vessel's crew were safe. Owner

Star Bulk Carriers ( SBLK ) said the ship was hit in the hold area whilst

anchored. There were no crew injuries and no listing.