▲ This file photo provided by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries shows ministry officials holding an emergency meeting on March 1, 2026, to discuss the safety of South Korean vessels in the Middle East amid turmoil in the region. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Korean vessels-Middle East

No disruptions in essential goods supply to S. Korean vessels in Persian Gulf: ministry

SEOUL, March 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean vessels tied up in the Persian Gulf have sufficient supplies of essential goods to last at least a month, the oceans ministry said Monday, vowing continued efforts to protect the safety of Korean sailors amid an ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, all 26 Korean vessels in the area have secured food and fuel products for more than a month through a local supplier over the weekend.

The vessels have a combined 146 Korean crew members on board, while another 37 Korean nationals are aboard foreign vessels trapped in the Persian Gulf due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran.

The ministry said it is providing support for the safe disembarkation of crew members from the vessels in the region, noting that no Korean nationals have requested to leave their ships as of Sunday.

The government will continue close communications with shipping companies to ensure the safety of Korean vessels and crew members in the Middle East amid a prolonging of the situation, the ministry added.

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