[Breaking] Korean-operated vessel in Hormuz was struck by unidentified flying object: Seoul

The bulk carrier HMM Namu is docked at the Drydocks World Dubai shipyard at Port Rashid in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Friday. (Yonhap)

A Korean-operated vessel that was stuck in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified flying object earlier this month, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday, following a joint government investigation into a fire aboard the ship.

According to the ministry, a joint governmental investigation team conducted an on-site probe on Friday into the HMM Namu, the bulk carrier that had been anchored in the Strait of Hormuz.

The investigation found that “an unidentified flying object” hit the stern of the vessel on May 4, the ministry said in a text message sent to reporters.

Officials said there were limitations in determining the exact type and physical size of the object at this stage.

The ministry added that additional analysis would be conducted on debris collected at the scene.

The HMM Namu had been anchored in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have remained elevated amid ongoing instability in the Middle East and concerns over maritime security.

The vessel is operated by the South Korean shipping company HMM and sails under the Panamanian flag.

mkjung@heraldcorp.com