Vice Minister Kim Seong-beom of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on the 4th, regarding the situation in the Middle East, that "186 Korean crew members are on board ships inside the Strait of Hormuz."
The Vice Minister held a briefing on an emergency meeting to review the Middle East situation on the afternoon of the day and said, "We have identified that 42 Korean crew members are on board foreign-flagged ships."
Earlier, on the 3rd, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) said that "there are 26 Korean ships inside the Strait of Hormuz." Through the briefing that day, not only those on Korean ships—144 people—but also those on foreign ships were confirmed.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) focused its checks that day on the safety of the crew on board these ships.
The Vice Minister said, "Inside the Strait of Hormuz, 597 people are on board 26 Korean ships, including 144 Koreans," adding, "We have identified that 42 Korean crew members are on board foreign-flagged ships." As a result, the total number of Korean crew members confirmed to be inside the Strait of Hormuz so far is 186.
However, the Vice Minister said, "In the process of further verification going forward, the number of Korean crew members may fluctuate somewhat."
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) said it is maintaining a real-time communication system with shipping companies and ships regarding the Middle East situation and is monitoring ship locations and safety, remaining stores such as food supplies, and crew changes.
In addition, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) is operating a counseling and communication channel for crew members. The phone numbers are five in total: 051-773-5743, 5744, 5745, 5747, 5768.
The Vice Minister said, "In high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz, crew members can request to disembark, and the shipping company is required to bear the expense of repatriation," adding, "We understand that it is not yet at the stage where disembarkation requests are being made."
He went on to say, "In preparation for a prolonged situation, we are discussing with shipping companies the supply of daily necessities to ships and methods for crew members to return home after disembarkation," adding, "We will continue to hold daily situation review meetings to ensure the safety of our ships and to address crew difficulties, and will carry out safety management without disruption."