Explosion and Fire on HMM Namu in Strait of Hormuz: No Injuries Reported
SEOUL, May 5 (Bernama-Yonhap) — A fire ignited by an explosion aboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier HMM Namu has been successfully extinguished, with no injuries reported among the crew. The incident occurred around 8:40 PM on Monday (Korean time) while the vessel was anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. The South Korean shipping company HMM Co. confirmed the details of the incident on Tuesday.
The explosion originated in the engine room of the HMM Namu, prompting the crew to take immediate action. Utilizing carbon dioxide, they fought the blaze for approximately four hours until it was under control. Security camera footage later confirmed that the fire had been extinguished. HMM announced plans to conduct a thorough inspection of the engine room to assess any damage caused by the incident.
The HMM Namu was carrying a total of 24 crew members, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals. Fortunately, all crew members were unharmed during the event. The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire is currently under investigation, with HMM officials stating that it remains unclear whether the incident was due to an external attack or an internal malfunction.
Investigation and Safety Measures Underway
In light of the incident, HMM has announced plans to tow the freighter to Dubai, a process expected to take several days. Meanwhile, the South Korean government is actively working to determine the cause of the explosion and fire. The situation has raised concerns, especially following recent tensions in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the incident, alleging that Iran has targeted South Korean vessels and other ships in the area. He urged South Korea to participate in a mission aimed at ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping.
Industry officials have reported that South Korean-operated vessels in the region are adjusting their routes, moving toward Qatar as a precautionary measure to avoid the Strait of Hormuz. This incident coincides with the United States’ launch of “Project Freedom,” an operation designed to assist commercial vessels affected by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
HMM operates five vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which includes one container ship and two oil tankers. The company is committed to ensuring the safety of its operations and the well-being of its crew members as investigations continue.
