South Korean authorities said two unidentified projectiles struck HMM Namu in the Persian Gulf on 4 May 2026, causing a fire that disabled the general cargo ship.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the update on 10 May 2026 as investigations continued into the incident. The 38,314 dwt vessel was later towed to Dubai and moved to Drydocks World for inspection and repairs.
Investigators from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ Marine Safety Tribunal and forensic specialists from the National Fire Agency began examining the vessel on 8 May 2026. The investigation includes collecting evidence from the engine room, reviewing CCTV footage, and interviewing the captain.
Based on CCTV footage and the captain’s account, the ministry said the ship was struck by two unidentified aerial objects about one minute apart while anchored off Umm Al Quwain in the UAE. The impacts hit the port side around 1 m to 1.5 m above sea level and damaged a ballast tank.
Officials said the damaged section measured about 5 m wide, with penetration extending roughly 7 m into the hull. Evidence of explosive pressure was also found on the exterior structure.
Authorities believe the first impact started a fire near the upper section of the ballast tank. The second strike caused the fire to spread rapidly before reaching the engine room.
The ministry said the CCTV footage was not clear enough to determine the type of projectile involved. Investigators are continuing forensic analysis of the engine room and examining recovered components to determine their origin.
Officials also rejected speculation that the vessel struck a mine or suffered machinery failure. According to the ministry, no abnormalities were found in the ship’s engines, generators, or boilers.
HMM Namu was completed earlier this year and had recently entered service for HMM. All 24 crewmembers, including six South Korean nationals, escaped injury.
South Korea did not identify any party responsible for the incident. However, the government summoned Iranian Ambassador Saeed Koozechi after Iran’s embassy denied involvement. Business Korea reported that the ambassador described the event as an accident.
The incident has also drawn political attention after Donald Trump said Iran had fired at a South Korean vessel and called on South Korea to support U.S. efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea’s government said it would continue its investigation and determine an appropriate response after confirming the details of the case.
