South Korea Probes Explosion on HMM Vessel in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

South Korea announced an investigation into the cause of an explosion and fire aboard a South Korean-operated cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has drawn international attention after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested it may have been an Iranian attack.

According to South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, the Panama-flagged vessel, HMM Namu, was empty and anchored when the explosion broke out in its engine room. Fortunately, no casualties were reported among the 24 crew members onboard the 35,000-ton ship, and the fire was successfully extinguished. Authorities plan to tow the vessel to a nearby port where experts will assess the damage and determine the exact cause.

An HMM spokesperson confirmed that onboard surveillance footage captured the incident and showed the fire being contained. Meanwhile, maritime security firm Vanguard indicated that investigators would consider multiple possibilities, including an external attack, a drifting sea mine, or another unidentified object.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has long been a hotspot for geopolitical tensions. In response to the explosion, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries advised Korean vessels in the area to move to safer waters and confirmed ongoing communication with shipping companies and affected ships.

Reports indicate that 26 South Korean-flagged vessels are currently stranded near the strait. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed Iran had fired on the ship and other targets as part of broader regional conflict, urging allies like South Korea to join efforts to secure safe navigation routes.

South Korean officials have yet to comment on Trump’s claims but reiterated that any decision to deploy naval forces would require legislative approval. The situation continues to evolve as authorities work to uncover the truth behind the incident and ensure maritime safety.