A hole 5 m wide and 7 m deep is confirmed on the lower hull of HMM Namuho./Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The government said the fire on a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz near the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the 4th stemmed from a strike by an unidentified flying object.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 10th announced the results of a joint government investigation with these findings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The investigation confirmed that on May 4 an unidentified flying object struck the stern of HMM (Namu) on the port side," noting that the Namu fire was caused by an external factor as a preliminary conclusion.

Spokesperson Park Il of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Two unidentified flying objects struck the outer plate of the port-side parallel water tank at the stern of HMM Namu twice at about one-minute intervals," adding, "Flames and smoke accompanied by vibration after the impact from the strike were confirmed." Park continued, "The outer plate on the port stern was damaged to a width of about 5 meters and a depth of about 7 meters into the hull," and "the frame inside the hull was bent inward, while the hull's outer plate protruded and bent outward."

On the party responsible for the attack, officials said, "There are constraints in identifying the exact model and physical size," adding, "We plan to conduct additional analysis of debris recovered at the scene."

On the 8th (local time), the bulk carrier HMM Namuho is berthed at the Drydocks World Dubai ship repair yard at the Port of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to HMM and the Consulate General in Dubai, a government investigation team boards HMM Namuho and begins a full-fledged probe into the cause of the fire./Courtesy of Yonhap News

Shortly after the Namu fire, U.S. President Donald Trump said there was "fire from Iran," but the Korean government maintained a cautious stance, saying it was "still under investigation."

On the 5th (local time) at a White House event, President Trump said Korea procures 43% of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, adding, "Their ship was attacked. They were not in a convoy and chose to act alone."

Iran's state-run Press TV reported on the 6th that it "targeted a Korean vessel that violated maritime regulations." It added that "targeting a Korean vessel that violated newly established maritime regulations is a clear signal that Iran will exercise its sovereign rights through force (kinetic action)."

Saeed Koozechi, ambassador of Iran to Korea, leaves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 10th. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says, "A joint government investigation team conducted an on-site inspection of HMM Namuho anchored in the Strait of Hormuz on the 8th," adding, "The investigation confirms that an unidentified flying object struck Namuho's stern on the 4th."/Courtesy of News1

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Saeed Koozechi, Iran's ambassador to Korea, on the day. Spokesperson Park drew a line, saying it was only to explain the initial findings, but there is also speculation that Seoul intends to press Iran for responsibility. If the strike on Namu is confirmed to be Iran's doing, significant diplomatic and security repercussions are expected.

Spokesperson Park said, "By thoroughly determining the cause of this incident and pursuing all possible measures, including cooperation with the international community, to prevent a recurrence, the government intends to make every effort to ensure the safety of our people."

※ This article has been translated by AI. Share your feedback here.