Seoul, South Korea – South Korea’s presidential Blue House on Monday strongly condemned the attack on the South Korean cargo ship HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month. It affirmed that the government intends to take “appropriate countermeasures” as soon as the perpetrators and the type of projectiles used are identified.
Preliminary results of the criminal investigation
Presidential National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lak stated that a team of South Korean experts conducted a preliminary forensic analysis of the damage to the stern of the ship while it was docked in Dubai.
The investigation revealed that the ship was struck twice by “unidentified aerial objects” approximately one minute apart on May 4. This occurred while the ship was anchored in waters off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
The attack triggered a massive fire in the engine room, causing extensive structural damage. The explosion left a 5-meter-wide, 7-meter-deep hole in the ship’s outer hull, rendering it currently unseaworthy.
Officials confirmed that the fire was caused by an “external impact” and was unrelated to any internal technical faults. They also emphasized that the ship was not violating any international maritime regulations at the time of the incident.
Diplomatic mobilization and anticipation of a response
Amid escalating diplomatic tensions, the South Korean Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador to Seoul to provide clarification regarding the incident. This came particularly after international hints, especially from Washington, suggesting the involvement of regional actors. However, Seoul has refrained from directly accusing any party so far. The ministry is awaiting the completion of the analysis of the wreckage and engine fragments collected from the site.
The Blue House asserted that “attacks on civilian commercial vessels are unjustifiable and intolerable,” emphasizing that South Korea will strengthen measures to protect its ships and crews operating near the strait. This will be done in close coordination with the international community to ensure the security of vital waterways.
The 38,000-ton vessel, the Namu, had a crew of 24, including six South Koreans. No injuries were reported as a result of the attack.
