"HMM Namu Under Third Day of Detailed Investigation Following Hormuz Fire"

Focused Forensic Examination of the Engine Room
and Crew Interviews

The government investigation team is pressing ahead with a third consecutive day of on-site investigation into the HMM Namuho, which suffered a fire accident in the Strait of Hormuz near Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as they work to determine the cause of the incident.

According to local sources, the investigation team began its third day of investigation on May 10 (local time) at Drydocks World Dubai, the largest ship repair yard in the Middle East. The team has been conducting a detailed inspection of the engine room, where the fire occurred, since the HMM Namuho docked at the shipyard on May 8.

However, the deployment of an underwater camera or divers beneath the ship to check the external condition of the hull on the port side aft, which is submerged, will only proceed if a definitive clue regarding the cause is found through the inspection of the engine room interior.

The investigation team is also reported to be continuing interviews with the 24 crew members, including 6 Koreans. The investigation of the crew is expected to focus on clarifying whether the ship's alarm sounded before the fire broke out. If there was an internal problem with the engine or generator, it is likely that an alarm would have sounded before the fire. In contrast, if an external factor such as an Iranian attack was involved, a warning alarm would not be expected before the explosion and subsequent fire.

Currently, the investigation team, as well as the Consulate General in Dubai, the HMM Dubai branch, and the Korean Register Dubai office, are avoiding contact with the media. This appears to be due to the sensitivity of the situation. As a result, no information about the investigation, including its content, schedule, procedures, or expected completion date, has been released to the public.

The 24 crew members of the HMM Namuho, including 6 Koreans, are staying at nearby accommodations after disembarking in Dubai. However, it is reported that none of the crew members have expressed a desire to leave their posts (terminate their employment contracts).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.