South Korean officials have concluded their on-site investigation into the recent explosion and subsequent fire aboard the HMM Namu, an HMM-operated vessel in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The findings are currently under review, a presidential official confirmed on Sunday.
This comprehensive inspection commenced after the Panama-flagged cargo ship, operated by South Korean shipping firm HMM Co., was safely towed from the strait to a Dubai port on Friday, following the incident.
Preliminary results from the on-site inspection have been received, the official stated. Authorities anticipate providing definitive answers regarding the cause of the fire once relevant agencies have thoroughly reviewed and assessed all findings.
The initial explosion on the HMM Namu occurred on Monday. Coincidentally, this was the same day the United States initiated “Project Freedom,” an operation designed to assist in guiding stranded vessels through the strait amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Amid conflicting reports and significant geopolitical sensitivity, the government has maintained a cautious stance on attributing the cause of the incident, with debates centering on whether it resulted from an Iranian attack or an internal vessel malfunction.
Comprising a seven-member team, including three experienced inspectors from the oceans ministry and four forensic specialists from the National Fire Agency, the investigation reportedly involved meticulous analysis of the ship’s voyage data recorder (VDR) and security camera footage, alongside extensive interviews with crew members.
A total of 24 crew members were onboard the vessel at the time of the incident, including six South Korean nationals.
