▲ The HMM Namu is docked at Drydocks World-Dubai in the namesake city of the United Arab Emirates on May 8, 2026, in this image from Yonhap News TV. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) S Korean vessel-Iran

(2nd LD) Seoul concludes 'external strike' caused explosion on HMM vessel in Hormuz

(ATTN: RECASTS lead paras; ADDS more details in paras 3-4, 9)

SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean investigation team has concluded that a strike by "unidentified airborne objects" caused the explosion and fire aboard a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz last week, the foreign ministry said Sunday.

"The investigation confirmed that unidentified airborne objects struck the stern of the HMM (vessel)," the foreign ministry said.

Two separate objects hit the HMM-operated vessel approximately one minute apart, according to the ministry.

The exact type or size of the objects could not be identified, it said, citing certain "limitations," adding, "The government will conduct further analysis of debris collected at the scene."

The announcement follows an on-site investigation by a seven-member government team into the explosion and fire aboard the Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu, operated by South Korean shipping firm HMM Co.

The explosion and subsequent fire broke out Monday while the vessel was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates. The Namu, along with some 2,000 other vessels, has been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran that began late February.

The vessel was towed from the scene to a port in Dubai on Friday for inspection.

There were 24 crew members on board, including six South Koreans, with no injuries or casualties reported.

Following the incident, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had "taken some shots" at the cargo ship and other targets, while the Iranian Embassy in Seoul released an official statement last week "firmly and categorically" denying any involvement by the Iranian military.

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