South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said the incident occurred at about 8:40 p.m. Korean time on May 4 on a vessel operated by a South Korean shipping company that was anchored near the United Arab Emirates in waters around the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was identified as the HMM NAMU, which sails under the Panamanian flag.
The ship had 24 crew members on board — six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals — and no casualties had been reported as of the latest information, the ministry said.
The ministry said it was investigating the cause of the explosion and fire and the extent of any damage. “We will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our ship and crew while communicating closely with relevant countries,” it said.
Yonhap News Agency reported that HMM said a fire broke out near the port side of the engine room after an explosion-like sound of unknown cause. Crew members carried out their own firefighting efforts, and no injuries were reported.
The incident has raised questions about a possible link to military clashes during the U.S. “Project Freedom” operation. With tensions rising between the United States and Iran, there has been speculation the ship may have been attacked, but the government said it was still confirming whether it was hit.
South Korea’s Oceans Ministry said 26 South Korean-flagged ships are currently inside the Strait of Hormuz, including nine oil tankers and car carriers. It said 160 South Korean crew members are staying in the strait area — 123 on South Korean-flagged ships and 37 on foreign-flagged ships.
They have been unable to leave the area for the past two months as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has continued.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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