SEOUL, May 10 (AJP) - South Korean inspectors have wrapped up their on-site investigation into a cargo vessel that mysteriously caught fire while anchored near the Strait of Hormuz last week, government authorities said on Sunday.
Their inspection into the cause of the fire and explosion on shipping and logistics company HMM's Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu began later last week after it was towed from the strait to a port in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Friday.
During the investigation, inspectors examined the ship's voyage data recorder (VDR) and surveillance camera footage, and interviewed crew members on board to determine what happened.
A key question is whether the fire was caused by an external factor, such as an attack by Iran or others including a strike by an object like a drifting sea mine or by an internal cause such as a defect in the vessel or a malfunction.
No details were immediately available, but the findings of the inspection are expected to be disclosed soon after they return home and complete a review and evaluation with relevant agencies, as they appear to be cautious about possible diplomatic implications.
When asked by reporters about his claims that Iran was behind the fire, which Tehran denies, U.S. President Donald Trump avoided answering last Friday and, in a somewhat baffling remark, said, "I love South Korea."
The fire broke out on May 4, following an explosion on the port side of the engine room while the Namu was anchored in the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Meanwhile, all 24 crew members including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals have disembarked after the vessel was towed to Dubai. But they are reportedly willing to board the vessel again once it is repaired, though they may temporarily return home if repairs take a long time.
Their inspection into the cause of the fire and explosion on shipping and logistics company HMM's Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu began later last week after it was towed from the strait to a port in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Friday.
During the investigation, inspectors examined the ship's voyage data recorder (VDR) and surveillance camera footage, and interviewed crew members on board to determine what happened.
A key question is whether the fire was caused by an external factor, such as an attack by Iran or others including a strike by an object like a drifting sea mine or by an internal cause such as a defect in the vessel or a malfunction.
No details were immediately available, but the findings of the inspection are expected to be disclosed soon after they return home and complete a review and evaluation with relevant agencies, as they appear to be cautious about possible diplomatic implications.
When asked by reporters about his claims that Iran was behind the fire, which Tehran denies, U.S. President Donald Trump avoided answering last Friday and, in a somewhat baffling remark, said, "I love South Korea."
The fire broke out on May 4, following an explosion on the port side of the engine room while the Namu was anchored in the strait, a critical chokepoint for roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Meanwhile, all 24 crew members including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals have disembarked after the vessel was towed to Dubai. But they are reportedly willing to board the vessel again once it is repaired, though they may temporarily return home if repairs take a long time.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.