South Korea says Hormuz ship fire cause unclear pending inspection

05/05/2026

South Korea says Hormuz ship fire cause unclear pending inspection

SEOUL, May 5: South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the cause of a fire aboard a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz remains undetermined, pending a full inspection once the ship is brought to port.

“The exact cause of the accident will be determined after the vessel is towed and its damage is assessed,” the ministry said, according to Reuters.

A fire was earlier reported in the engine room of the bulk carrier, raising concerns over maritime safety in one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that the vessel had been anchored in waters near the United Arab Emirates when an explosion occurred, triggering the blaze.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s presidential office convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address a fire aboard a Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, local outlet MoneyToday reported.

The meeting was chaired by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, the report said.

All 24 crew members aboard the HMM Namu, including six South Korean nationals, were confirmed safe and unharmed, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The ministry added that the fire has been fully extinguished, with no further damage reported.