Just two left: Another South Korea-linked vessel exits Strait of Hormuz

Another vessel operated by South Korea has successfully departed the Strait of Hormuz after delays caused by the conflict involving the United States and Iran, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced.

The ministry said a car carrier bound for South Korea had safely passed through the strategically important waterway and is continuing its voyage as scheduled. Six South Korean sailors are on board the vessel, Caliber.Az reports via Yonhap.

The ship was among 26 South Korea-linked vessels that became stranded after navigation through the strait was restricted amid escalating tensions involving the United States, Iran and Israel.

Following the vessel’s departure, only two South Korea-linked ships remain in the region. One of them, HMM Namu, sustained damage in missile strikes carried out by pro-Iranian groups and is currently undergoing repairs at the port of Dubai.

HMM Namu is expected to leave the strait at the end of July once repairs are completed, while the second vessel will continue operating according to its scheduled shipping route.

The ministry added that 35 South Korean sailors remain in the Persian Gulf region, including 28 serving aboard foreign-flagged vessels.

So far, about half of the South Korean-linked ships that were stranded in the Strait of Hormuz after the outbreak of the Middle East conflict have already departed the area.

By Jeyhun Aghazada