Cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz [Reuters=Yonhap News Agency file photo] * Photo unrelated to the article

It has been reported that the HMM-operated cargo ship, which caught fire while docked in the Strait of Hormuz, is waiting for a tow with its auxiliary generator running.

According to HMM on the 5th, the 'HMM NAMU' is currently awaiting operations in waters near the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where the fire broke out the previous day.

As power was automatically cut off due to the fire, rendering the ship unable to move under its own power, it is scheduled to be moved to the nearby port of Dubai once tugboats are secured. Following this, the six South Korean crew members plan to return home.

HMM stated that all 24 crew members, including the domestic sailors, remain on board without any significant injuries from the fire.

An HMM official said, "Although the conditions are such that the crew can disembark immediately if they choose to, it seems they have decided to stay on board as the fire has been extinguished and there are no further risk factors."

An auxiliary generator is operating in preparation for emergencies, and as long-term docking was anticipated, sufficient food and water have been secured, meaning there are no major disruptions to onboard life.

The HMM Ocean Service, where the HMM ship integrated situation room is located in Jung-gu, Busan, on the afternoon of the 5th, the second day since an explosion and fire broke out on an HMM-operated vessel docked in the Strait of Hormuz. [Yonhap News Agency]

HMM is reportedly in the process of securing tugboats from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other locations, with its integrated situation room in Busan leading the efforts.

Once tugboats are secured, the plan is to move the ship to the nearest port, Dubai, to inspect the damage and investigate the cause of the accident.

However, considering the towing procedures and travel schedule, it is estimated that it will take several days before the investigation into the cause of the accident can begin. HMM also reported that the crew on-site has not yet entered the fire-affected areas.

In a written briefing today, the Blue House stated, "Considering the deployment and docking of tugboats, the dispatch of domestic investigation personnel, and the analysis period, it is expected that it will take several days to analyze the cause," adding, "The government will promptly and accurately identify the cause of the accident and transparently report it to the public."

Yesterday, around 8:40 PM (Korean time), an explosion and fire occurred on a cargo ship (HMM NAMU) operated by the Korean shipping company HMM in waters near the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the Strait of Hormuz. There were no casualties in this fire.