With the Strait of Hormuz closed due to the Middle East crisis, it was confirmed that all 26 Korean ships isolated in the Persian Gulf have more than a month's worth of essential supplies. The number of Korean crew members isolated in the area was initially estimated at 186, but it was identified as 183, down by three.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on the 9th that Acting Minister Kim Seong-beom reviewed the supply status of essential items such as food and fuel for Korean ships and checked safety management in connection with the Middle East situation.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) said that since the Middle East crisis, it has been checking the remaining quantities of essential supplies for each Korean ship in the Persian Gulf every day and has encouraged shipping companies and vessels to keep more than a month's worth.
As a result, as of 10 p.m. on the 8th, all 26 Korean ships were confirmed to have more than a month's worth of essential supplies. The MOF explained that essential supplies are being supplied normally in the Middle East through local agents except at some ports. The MOF also said it is providing shipping companies with information on local agent firms.
In addition, the MOF is continuously checking the status of Korean crew members aboard Korean and foreign ships. Through this, as of 10 p.m. on the 8th, a total of 183 people were identified as being in the Persian Gulf. That is three fewer than previously announced.
At first, the MOF estimated there were 186 Korean crew members isolated in the area. However, the actual number aboard Korean ships increased by two from 144 to 146, while the number of Korean crew members on foreign-flagged ships decreased by five to 37.
Acting Director Kim Seong-beom said, "Do not let your guard down until the situation ends, make every effort to operate the emergency response system, and prepare in advance for areas that require cooperation among related agencies."