Cheong Wa Dae strongly condemns attacks on civilian vessels, including HMM Namuho, says it will respond after identifying the attackers

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae strongly condemned on the 11th the HMM Namuho fire incident in the Strait of Hormuz, after it was confirmed to have been caused by a strike from an unidentified flying object. The government said it will further investigate the attacker and the exact type of aircraft involved, then consider necessary response measures. On the possibility of Iranian involvement, it took a cautious stance, saying that its contact with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Korea was for consultation, not a summons.
Wi Sung-lac held a press briefing in the main briefing room at the Chunchugwan press center at Cheong Wa Dae on the afternoon of the day and said, "Regarding the field investigation by the joint government task force into HMM Namuho, we announced the results through a briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after an NSC Working-Level Coordination Meeting yesterday afternoon. The South Korean government strongly condemns this, as attacks on civilian vessels such as HMM Namuho cannot be justified or tolerated."
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the results of the joint government investigation into the HMM Namuho fire incident, saying that an unidentified flying object had struck the vessel's stern on the 4th. The government, which had been cautious about whether the vessel had been hit immediately after the incident, formally confirmed the possibility of an external attack based on the on-site investigation.
According to the findings, two unidentified flying objects struck the ship's stern outer hull twice at about one-minute intervals. After the impact, flames and smoke broke out, accompanied by vibrations. Investigators believe the fire started after the first strike and spread rapidly after the second.
On the Namuho's hull, a hole about 5 meters wide and about 7 meters deep toward the inside of the ship was found in the outer plate of the port-side stern ballast tank. The internal frame was bent inward, while the outer hull plate was found to be protruding and bent outward.
Wi said, "At the time of the accident, the vessel had damage at a point about 1 to 1.5 meters above the sea surface. Considering the damage pattern caused by explosive pressure and the hemispherical penetration shape, the possibility of a mine or torpedo strike appears low."
However, the government said it has not yet identified the attacker, the exact type of flying object, or its physical size. Wi said, "More detailed information about the flying object requires further investigation. Through additional inquiries, the government aims to identify the attacker, the exact type, and the physical size."
Cheong Wa Dae also said it will review necessary response measures based on the findings. Wi said, "We will review the necessary response measures accordingly. We will also continue to communicate with relevant countries so that such incidents do not happen again."
Cheong Wa Dae also said it will work to strengthen the safety of South Korean crew members and vessels in nearby waters. Wi said, "We will also intensify efforts to strengthen the safety of all our crew members and vessels currently located in nearby straits. We will continue to join international efforts to ensure the safety of all ships, including ours, and freedom of navigation."
A senior Cheong Wa Dae official explained why the government took a cautious stance early in the incident, saying, "At the time, we had not received reports of any hole in the hull, and flooding or a list of the vessel had not been confirmed. There were reports of an external impact, but it was difficult to make an overall judgment." The official added, "The government did not conclude that it was not a strike; it withheld judgment. Later, we were able to assess it through the expert forensic report from the on-site investigators."
On the analysis of debris from the flying object, the official said, "Some debris from the flying object has been identified and is in the government's possession. A first forensic examination has been conducted, but additional expert analysis is needed." On the delay in reviewing CCTV footage, the official said, "Footage aimed at the stern of the vessel was used as reference, but I understand it took time because the data had to be secured through the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal and shared after security procedures."
On the attacker, the official said, "It has not been identified yet, and efforts are under way to identify it. It is difficult to speak of measures based on assumptions, but once a judgment is made, we will respond at an appropriate level."
The official also addressed the previous day's visit by the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Korea to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, amid speculation about possible Iranian involvement, saying, "I understand that the format was not a summons. We met with the Iranian ambassador for consultation." The official added, "Since HMM Namuho had been anchored since April 30, it cannot be said to have violated any rules."
west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter