Fire and explosion reported on Korean vessel in Strait of Hormuz, South Korea says investigations underway

Rashmi Pandey — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:26:03 +0000

South Korea’s foreign ministry has reported a fire and explosion aboard a Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, with 24 crew members on board and investigations now underway into the cause and extent of the damage.

According to the available verified reports, officials have not yet determined whether the incident was caused by an external attack or by an internal malfunction. South Korea said it will remain in contact with the countries concerned as it works to establish what happened and assess the condition of the ship.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained a sensitive shipping corridor in recent weeks, with South Korea repeatedly engaging Iran and other relevant parties to secure safe passage for its vessels. Earlier reporting also showed Seoul had been monitoring Korean ships in the region closely because of the wider security situation affecting maritime traffic.

A Reuters report from March said vessels in and around the Strait had already faced attacks during the regional conflict, adding to concerns over navigation safety. South Korean officials have since emphasized continued coordination with foreign counterparts to protect vessels and crew members in the area.

For now, the ministry’s focus is on determining whether the fire and explosion were the result of a hostile act or an on-board technical problem. The presence of 24 crew members has raised the urgency of the inquiry, while Seoul maintains diplomatic and operational contact with relevant countries as the situation develops.

Korean vessel | Business Upturn

Fire and explosion reported on Korean vessel in Strait of Hormuz, South Korea says investigations underway