Seoul: Two additional South Korean vessels have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded there for several months amid ongoing conflict in West Asia, the oceans ministry reported Saturday.
According to Nam News Network, the South Korean shipping companies operating the vessels confirmed that they are now sailing normally after passing through the critical waterway. The vessels were among a group of 26 South Korea-related ships that became stranded when Iran blocked shipping routes in the strait in late February, as tensions flared with the United States and Israel.
The initial two vessels managed to pass through the strait with assistance from Iran during the conflict, while the remaining ships have been gradually departing the area following a ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran earlier this month. Despite the recent progress, three South Korea-related vessels remain stranded, including the HMM Namu, which suffered damage from missile attacks linked to Iran and is currently undergoing repairs in Dubai.
Four South Korean crew members were aboard the two vessels that have recently cleared the strait, although neither of the ships is destined for South Korea. There are still 43 South Korean crew members stranded in the strait, some on South Korean vessels and others on foreign-flagged ships, as noted by the ministry.
The ministry highlighted its efforts in conducting real-time monitoring and providing diplomatic and navigational support, in collaboration with the foreign ministry, to ensure the safe passage of the ships through the challenging maritime route.