Korean Cargo Ship Explodes and Catches Fire in Strait of Hormuz, Trump Urges Seoul to Join Mission
A South Korean-operated vessel exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. US President Trump linked the incident to Iranian attacks and urged South Korea to join related US missions. The South Korean government is investigating and ensuring the safety of its ships and crew.
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- 📰 Published: May 5, 2026 at 09:31
- 🔍 Collected: May 5, 2026 at 10:01 (30 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 5, 2026 at 10:03 (1 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Seoul/Washington, May 4, comprehensive foreign reports) Seoul authorities stated that a South Korean-operated vessel exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. US President Trump alleged that the incident was related to Iranian attacks and urged South Korea to join related US missions.
According to Reuters and AFP, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the vessel operated by South Korean shipping company HMM caught fire and exploded, with no casualties reported so far. Relevant authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
HMM's spokesperson also stated that the cause of the fire is currently unknown, adding that the fire occurred in the engine room of the Panama-flagged cargo ship, which had 24 crew members, including 6 South Koreans, on board at the time.
However, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency cited government sources saying that Seoul authorities are verifying intelligence that the vessel, named HMM Namu, may have been attacked.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a declaration: "Our government will communicate closely with relevant countries on this matter and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our vessels and crew in the Strait of Hormuz."
Shortly before the incident, Trump had announced that the US would launch "Project Freedom" operations from the morning of May 4 to help vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
After the South Korean vessel's fire and explosion incident, Trump wrote: "Iran attacked unrelated countries, including a South Korean cargo ship, regarding vessel movements and 'Project Freedom.' Perhaps it's time for South Korea to join this mission!"
Trump also stated that, apart from this South Korean vessel, no other losses have been observed in the strait's passage.
The South Korean government stated that 26 South Korean-flagged vessels are currently stranded in the area. (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 1150505
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(Central News Agency, Seoul/Washington, May 4, comprehensive foreign reports) Seoul authorities stated that a South Korean-operated vessel exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4. US President Trump alleged that the incident was related to Iranian attacks and urged South Korea to join related US missions.
According to Reuters and AFP, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the vessel operated by South Korean shipping company HMM caught fire and exploded, with no casualties reported so far. Relevant authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.
HMM's spokesperson also stated that the cause of the fire is currently unknown, adding that the fire occurred in the engine room of the Panama-flagged cargo ship, which had 24 crew members, including 6 South Koreans, on board at the time.
However, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency cited government sources saying that Seoul authorities are verifying intelligence that the vessel, named HMM Namu, may have been attacked.
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a declaration: "Our government will communicate closely with relevant countries on this matter and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our vessels and crew in the Strait of Hormuz."
Shortly before the incident, Trump had announced that the US would launch "Project Freedom" operations from the morning of May 4 to help vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz.
After the South Korean vessel's fire and explosion incident, Trump wrote: "Iran attacked unrelated countries, including a South Korean cargo ship, regarding vessel movements and 'Project Freedom.' Perhaps it's time for South Korea to join this mission!"
Trump also stated that, apart from this South Korean vessel, no other losses have been observed in the strait's passage.
The South Korean government stated that 26 South Korean-flagged vessels are currently stranded in the area. (Compiled by Tsai Chia-min) 1150505
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency 'First-hand News' App to get the latest updates instantly.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.