On the 4th of this month, a South Korean vessel, the HMM Nuri, caught fire in the inner waters of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially following an attack. The South Korean government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, has refrained from commenting on the incident’s cause. Plans are underway to tow the vessel to a nearby port for a comprehensive investigation.
Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office, announced that determining the cause of the explosion and fire is expected to take several days. Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung emphasized the need for a swift and accurate investigation following an emergency meeting involving key officials, including the head of the Crisis Management Center.
Kang detailed that a tugboat would facilitate the vessel’s relocation, and personnel from the Korean Register’s Dubai branch will conduct safety inspections upon arrival. To ensure an unbiased investigation, experts from the Korean Maritime Safety Tribunal and the National Fire Agency will also be dispatched separately from the shipping company’s team.
In terms of crew safety, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is maintaining real-time communication with the vessel and monitoring the situation closely. Kang highlighted that, since the onset of conflicts in the Middle East, the government has been in daily contact with 26 other Korean vessels in the region to ensure their safety. Additionally, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with the government coordinating closely with the U.S., Iran, and Gulf Cooperation Council member states to share information and prioritize the safety of its citizens.
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