8 more Korean-operated vessels clear Strait of Hormuz; 5 remain

Eight more vessels operated by South Korean shipping companies that had been waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz have cleared the waterway, leaving five South Korean-operated ships still in the area.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said Friday that as of 9 a.m., the eight vessels had safely transited the strait and were sailing normally.

The ships carried 37 Korean crew members. One is bound for South Korea; the rest are heading to overseas destinations.

With the eight ships now through, five South Korean vessels remain in the area. A total of 47 Korean sailors are still on board — 17 aboard South Korean-flagged vessels and 30 aboard foreign-flagged ships. One foreign-flagged vessel carrying three Korean crew members also cleared the strait in this latest passage.

The government has not disclosed specific operational details — including vessel names, routes or positions — citing concern for the safety of crew and ships.

The ministry said it worked with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide real-time monitoring and transit information to support safe passage while the vessels moved through the strait.

The remaining vessels, excluding one currently undergoing repairs, are expected to transit the strait sequentially in line with consultations with relevant countries and each shipping company's own schedule.

"We plan to continue providing transit updates and safety information to the vessels still in the area to support their safe passage," a ministry official said.