South Korean ship catches fire in Strait of Hormuz

The Government of South Korea reported this Monday that a ship owned by a South Korean company, although flying the Panamanian flag, suffered a fire in the Strait of Hormuz, near the waters of the United Arab Emirates.

South Korean government sources have reported an explosion on the ‘HMM Namu’ that occurred around 8:40 p.m. this Monday when it was anchored. There is no information on personal injuries.

There are 24 crew members on the ship, six of them South Koreans and 18 of other nationalities, according to the South Korean press, which highlights that the specific cause of the explosion remains unknown.

South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has reported that an explosion occurred on the side of the engine room, according to data from a nearby ship. They speculate on the possibility of an attack or the impact of a drifting mine.

A source from the South Korean Presidency has indicated to the ‘Korea Herald’ that they are already working to clarify the causes of the fire and has insisted that there are no South Korean citizens injured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also verifying the details through consular channels.

Some 2,000 vessels are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the blockade resulting from the war between Iran and the United States and Israel. Of them, 26 are vessels flying the South Korean flag.