Watch: Fire Breaks Out On South Korean Ship Carrying 24 Crew After Explosion In Strait Of Hormuz

A fire broke out on a cargo vessel operated by HMM after an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, with authorities now working to determine what caused the incident.

South Korea’s foreign ministry said the explosion and fire occurred at around 8:40 p.m. while the Panama-flagged ship was anchored near waters off the United Arab Emirates.

The blaze started on the port side of the engine room, according to the company.

There were 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans and 18 foreign nationals. No injuries or casualties have been reported.

The company said crew members tried to control the fire, but efforts took longer because the engine room is located in the lower part of the ship and is difficult to access.

Later, the fire was brought under control, and the vessel may be towed to Dubai, which could take several days.

Officials said it is still not clear whether the explosion was caused by a technical problem inside the ship or by something external.

South Korean authorities are also checking reports that the vessel, identified as HMM Namu, may have been attacked.

South Korea’s government said it will stay in close contact with countries in the region and take steps to protect its ships and crew in the area.

Several reports on vessels being attacked/on fire in the Strait of Hormuz:

-a South Korean vessel HMM Namu (confirmed by UKMTO) on fire 36 nautical miles north of Dubai, UAE

– a unknown vessel burning 14 NM west of Mina Saqr, UAE pic.twitter.com/QcwyngpP9M

— Commentary: Donald J Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) May 4, 2026

The Korea Coast Guard has shared information with rescue authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman and asked for cooperation if any emergency response is needed.

A presidential office official said no emergency National Security Council meeting has been held so far and that the foreign and oceans ministries are handling the situation.

According to the oceans ministry, 26 South Korean-flagged ships are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, including nine oil tankers.

About 160 South Korean crew members are on board vessels in the area, including 37 working on foreign-flagged ships.

The ship involved in the incident is a 35,000-ton general cargo vessel and was not carrying any cargo at the time, according to the company.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran fired shots at a South Korean cargo ship and other targets as the United States carried out a naval operation aimed at reopening the waterway. He also called on South Korea to join the effort.

The operation, known as “Project Freedom,” is intended to help move ships stranded in the strait. Iran has criticized the move, saying it violates a ceasefire that has been in place since early April.

The ceasefire deadline has been extended, while pressure on Iran has increased through naval deployments and sanctions.

Talks between the two sides remain stalled after a meeting held last month in Islamabad ended without agreement.

There have also been reports that some commercial vessels were hit and that a UAE oil port caught fire following Iranian strikes.

Maritime risk analysts said investigators will also consider other possible causes, including drifting sea mines or floating objects.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important shipping routes in the world, with around 20 percent of global oil and gas trade passing through it.

Disruptions in the area continue to affect global energy supplies and shipping operations.

References: Reuters, Koreatimes