Explosion, Fire Hit South Korean Ship Anchored Near Hormuz; Government Checks for Attack

Source

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

An explosion and fire broke out on a South Korean vessel anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, raising the possibility that a South Korean ship may have come under attack.
The government and shipping industry said there were no casualties, but they are still checking whether the vessel was hit and said they would take necessary steps to protect South Korean ships and crew.
Donald Trump said he would launch “Project Freedom” to help ships in the Strait of Hormuz leave safely so they could continue business freely and smoothly.

Forecast Trend Report by Period

24 crew members aboard; no injuries reported

An explosion and fire broke out on a South Korean vessel anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, raising the possibility that it came under attack as tensions mount over the prolonged U.S.-Iran war. No South Korean ship has been attacked since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. The incident came shortly after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would launch “Project Freedom” to help vessels from third countries stranded in the Strait of Hormuz leave safely.

The South Korean government and the shipping industry said the blast and fire occurred at about 8:40 p.m. Korea time on May 4 aboard the Namu, an HMM-operated vessel anchored near the Strait of Hormuz. An HMM official said a fire broke out after an explosion was heard on the port side of the bulk carrier’s engine room. The vessel was carrying 24 crew members, including six South Koreans, according to HMM. No casualties have been identified so far, a government official said. Authorities have obtained intelligence indicating the vessel may have been attacked and are checking whether the explosion was caused by a strike. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it would stay in close contact with relevant countries and take necessary steps to protect South Korean ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump earlier wrote on social media that he would help ships “exit this narrow waterway safely” so they could continue business freely and smoothly.

Kim Da-bin and Noh Yoo-jung, Hankyung.com reporters davinci@hankyung.com