Eight more South Korean ships pass through Hormuz Strait; five remain

Eight South Korean vessels have successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz, with five ships still awaiting passage within the Persian Gulf. This development comes after a US-Iran agreement allowed for the resumption of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries confirmed that the eight ships, operated by South Korean companies, are now proceeding on their normal routes. These vessels carry 37 South Korean sailors. While one of the eight ships is headed to South Korea, the others are destined for various international locations.

With these eight ships having passed through, the number of South Korean vessels currently inside the Persian Gulf has decreased to five. At the height of the strait's blockade in February, there were 26 South Korean ships in the area. Currently, 47 South Korean sailors are on board ships within the strait, including those on South Korean and foreign vessels.

One HMM cargo ship, the Naruho, is undergoing repairs after its stern was damaged by what is believed to have been an anti-ship missile fired from Iran. The remaining four ships are expected to pass through the strait according to their operational schedules and in consultation with relevant parties, including Iran. The ministry stated it would not disclose specific details about routes, shipping companies, or vessel names to protect the privacy of the sailors and shipping firms, but will continue to provide information to support safe navigation.