“Shells are falling in waters near the Strait of Hormuz, and some crew members feel their lives are in danger.”

Park Sang-ik, head of the SK Shipping union, told the Kyunghyang Shinmun by phone on the 3rd, “We have heard that our members currently in the Middle East witnessed shelling at night,” adding, “the government needs to provide proper guidelines and countermeasures.”

As military confrontation between the United States and Iran intensifies by the day, anxiety is mounting among Korean nationals crewing vessels lingering near the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated it will carry out attacks on ships transiting the strait.

According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, there are currently 40 Korean-flagged vessels staying near the Strait of Hormuz. The government is identifying Korean nationals serving as crew members aboard both domestic and foreign vessels.

One HMM-owned container ship and two tankers are also staying within the strait. Three H-Line Shipping vessels are slated to arrive at the Strait of Hormuz by the end of this month. Under their scheduled routes, they have no choice but to pass through the strait. No damage to Korean vessels has been reported so far.

Crew members currently near the strait are maintaining communication with domestic shipping companies. According to shipping officials, crews say Iran’s attacks appear to have eased, but they fear not knowing when shelling might resume.

Jeon Jeong-geun, head of the HMM union, said, “Just a few days ago we heard that the port was a mess with debris from shelling, but we are now told some operations are under way,” adding, “container work normally makes a ‘thump-thump’ sound, but since the military clashes, crew members are being startled even by similar noises.”

Kim Du-young, chair of the SK Shipping Union Alliance, said, “Many crew members are anxious after hearing through media reports that ships of other countries were attacked,” adding, “even veteran seafarers who had weathered piracy and other maritime threats feel this case is different.”

Crews say they are anxious because the government has not provided proper guidance. They also said they have not even been briefed on evacuation areas to minimize damage if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacks.

Kwon Ki-heung, head of the H-Line Shipping union, said, “Although we have not yet reached the Strait of Hormuz, vessels heading there also need clear guidelines,” adding, “one ship is set to enter waters near the strait on the 9th, and measures must be prepared before then.”

If the situation drags on, shortages of provisions could occur. Large vessels generally carry enough provisions to last for extended periods, but ships that have already been at sea a long time may have to make do with limited food and water.

Park said, “Some vessels are expected to be unable to endure even a month on the remaining provisions,” adding, “we hope measures will be considered to compel relocation to areas where our ships are not targets.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries elevated its emergency preparedness team to an emergency response team on Tuesday. Vice Minister Kim Seong-beom said, “We will maintain an emergency response posture with a focus on ensuring the safety of our crew members and ships,” adding, “if the situation in the Middle East becomes protracted, we will concentrate on managing the safety of the relevant ships and crews and devising support measures.”