Explosion, fire hit South Korean-linked vessel in Strait of Hormuz

RIYADH, May 4 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - An explosion and fire struck a South Korean-linked vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, South Korea’s foreign ministry said.

The Panama-flagged ship was carrying 24 crew members, including six South Koreans, and was docked near the United Arab Emirates when the blast occurred, the ministry said. No casualties were reported.

The cause of the explosion and fire was not immediately known, and the government was checking details of the damage, the ministry said.

It added that Seoul would stay in close contact with relevant countries and take necessary measures for the safety of its ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry said 26 South Korea-related vessels had been stranded at the strait since the war in the Middle East began.

[Photography | Courtesy of Reuters]