24 Ships 'Stranded in Hormuz' Prepare for Departure Amid 'Hope and Tension'

[Anchor]

South Korean vessels and crew members trapped inside the Strait of Hormuz remain on high alert despite news of a ceasefire agreement. They are maintaining a cautious stance until clear instructions are provided.

Reporter Jeong Seong-jin has the story.

[Reporter]

Despite the news that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the war, South Korean crew members stranded in the Strait of Hormuz remain skeptical.

[Jeong Jeon-geun / Chairman of the HMM Seafarers' Union: We are hopeful, but we aren't getting too excited. We want to believe it, but there is a possibility that passage might not be granted again, so we are preparing ourselves mentally.]

Back in April, the Strait of Hormuz was opened following a ceasefire agreement, but it was later re-blocked by Iran, followed by a counter-blockade by the U.S. As a result, the atmosphere remains cautious until the final agreement is confirmed.

There were 26 South Korean ships inside the Strait when the war broke out. With an HMM oil tanker and an SK Shipping LNG carrier having already departed, 24 ships and 137 South Korean crew members remain.

Since the attack on the Namu-ho, most South Korean vessels have moved to areas near Qatar and are waiting inside the Strait.

They are currently waiting in safe zones, completing preparations for passage, and awaiting government instructions until the agreement on the 19th.

[Shipping Company A: We are checking all relevant matters on board once again. We are preparing to move as soon as the instructions are given...]

Some shipping companies are urging the government to take proactive measures, stating that they cannot afford to miss another opportunity as they have already been pushed to their limits.

[Shipping Company B: We can't wait any longer. We are running out of fuel, and the crew is becoming increasingly restless... Since Israel continues to engage in localized skirmishes, we don't know what other variables might arise.]

The government stated that it is preparing for the vessels to depart as quickly as possible, while emphasizing that ensuring safety, such as clearing mines and securing escape routes, remains the top priority.

(Video Editing: Kim Byeong-jik)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.