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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Conflict & Security

South Korean Ship Damaged in Hormuz Strait Attack to Depart Mid-July

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The South Korean cargo ship 'NAMU' is expected to leave the Strait of Hormuz by mid-July, provided repairs to its damage from a May 4 attack are completed.
  • South Korea has accused Iran of involvement in the attack, but Iran denies responsibility, and South Korea has stated it cannot definitively determine the attacker or intent.
  • Two ships, including the 'NAMU', remain in the Strait of Hormuz, while 21 South Korean-operated vessels have passed through safely since a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

The South Korean cargo ship 'NAMU,' which caught fire after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, is tentatively scheduled to depart the waterway by mid-July. This departure is contingent on the completion of repairs to the vessel's hull, according to South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

South Korea has previously suggested that Iran may be linked to the attack, summoning the Iranian ambassador to demand an explanation and lodge a protest. However, Iran has denied any involvement. Following these exchanges, South Korea acknowledged it could not definitively confirm the responsible party or whether the incident was a deliberate act.

'NAMU' will depart the Strait of Hormuz by mid-July at the earliest, provided the hull damage sustained after the May 4 attack has been repaired.

— South Korea's Ministry of Oceans and FisheriesThe ministry provides an update on the status of the damaged South Korean cargo ship.

Currently, two ships, including the 'NAMU,' are docked in the Strait of Hormuz, with 35 crew members aboard the 'NAMU.' The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries noted that 21 South Korean-operated vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz without incident since a ceasefire agreement was reached between the United States and Iran.

The shipping company HMM, which owns the 'NAMU,' will cover the repair costs and subsequently file an insurance claim. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, even as diplomatic efforts aim to de-escalate conflicts.

South Korea stated on May 27 that the attack on 'NAMU' might be related to Iranian anti-ship missiles and summoned the Iranian ambassador to demand that Iran share investigation results and protest.

— ReutersReporting on South Korea's diplomatic actions following the attack.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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