The damaged stern of HMM Namu, a bulk carrier operated by Korean shipper HMM, is seen in this photo released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sunday, after it was struck by two unidentified objects on May 4 while stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The presidential office on Monday condemned attacks on a bulk carrier operated by the Korean shipping company HMM near the Strait of Hormuz, calling attacks on civilian vessels unacceptable.

While the government has not made a conclusion over who attacked the HMM Namu, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said the government will join international efforts to guarantee safe passage and operation of ships through the strait.

“The government strongly condemns attacks on civilian vessels such as the HMM Namu, as such actions cannot be justified or tolerated,” Wi said during a press briefing at Cheong Wa Dae.

“We intend to identify the perpetrator, the exact type of equipment used and its physical specifications through further investigation. Accordingly, we will also consider necessary response measures.”

His remarks came a day after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the initial findings regarding the investigation into the cause of an explosion and fire aboard HMM Namu.

The ministry, citing an investigative team dispatched to the scene, said two separate airborne objects struck the ship approximately one minute apart at around 3:30 p.m. on May 4 (local time) while it was anchored in waters off the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where Iran claims to have expanded its asserted control.

The impact caused damage that rendered the HMM Namu inoperable, and while the objects have not been identified, the incident marks the first attack on a Korea-linked vessel since the war began.

The ministry did not conclude whether the damage resulted from attacks made by Iran as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed immediately after the incident, saying further inspection is required in determining who was responsible.

Iranian Ambassador to Korea Saeid Koozechi visited the foreign ministry shortly after the government's announcement of the investigation findings to listen to the ministry's explanation about the incident as "a relevant country."

Source: Korea Times News