Seoul’s Foreign Ministry said late on Monday (4) that authorities will investigate the cause of a fire on a ship operated by South Korea in the Strait of Hormuz, after the vessel was towed to a nearby port.
“The exact cause of the accident will be determined after the vessel has been towed and the damage assessed,” the ministry said in a statement.
Earlier this Monday, the ministry confirmed that it was sailing in the Strait of Hormuz. At least 24 crew members were on board the vessel.
The Panama-flagged ship was carrying 24 crew members, including six South Koreans, and was docked near the United Arab Emirates when the explosion occurred.
There are no reports of casualties, the ministry said.
The cause of the explosion and fire is not yet known.
“The government will maintain constant communication with the countries concerned on this matter and will take necessary measures for the safety of our ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz,” the ministry added.
At least 26 ships linked to South Korea have been stuck in the strait since the start of the war in the Middle East.
