Explosion Disables HMM Ship in Strait of Hormuz

A Panama-flagged bulk carrier operated by South Korea's HMM shipping company suffered an explosion and fire in its engine room while anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off the United Arab Emirates on May 4, leaving the vessel disabled but with all 24 crew members unharmed.

The incident occurred at around 8:40 p.m. Korean Standard Time aboard the Namu, a 35,000-ton general cargo ship that was empty at the time. The explosion started on the port side of the engine room, and crew members fought the blaze for about four hours using carbon dioxide before extinguishing it. HMM officials reported that security footage confirmed the fire was out, though the extent of damage remains unclear pending inspection. The 24 crew included six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals.

South Korean authorities quickly mobilized. The ship has remained stranded near the strait since passage restrictions took effect amid regional tensions. Towing operations to a repair yard in Dubai began Thursday, with arrival expected late that day or early Friday Korean time. Investigators from the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal and National Fire Agency were dispatched to examine the cause, which officials described...