HMM Namu, a cargo ship hit by explosion off UAE

UMM AL QUWAIN : A Panama-flagged Korean general cargo ship HMM Namu hit by an explosion while at anchor.

The 2026-built, 38,000 dwt HMM Namu was struck by an object while at anchor in OPL of Umm Al Quwain, UAE, with a distress signal sent at 11:40 hrs UTC by a nearby vessel.

According to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech an explosion was observed on the port side near the engine room. Security sources indicate that source of the explosion was either a USV (sea drone) or a drifting sea mine. Coalition forces were reported to be on the scene.

All 24 crew on board the HMM Namu are reported to be safe. The crew comprises six South Korean nationals and 18 seafarers of other nationalities. No environmental damage has been reported as a result of the strike.

Over the weekend there were reports of warnings to vessels anchored off Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE to move from their anchorages.On 4 May Iran announced new maritime control zone in the Strait of Hormuz that extends from south of the line between Mount Mubarak in Iran and south of Fujairah in the UAE and from the west, the line between the tip of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm Al Quwain in UAE.

It is third attack on a commercial vessel in the region in just over a 24 hour period. A tanker was hit by suspected drones 78 nm north of Fujairah at 19:40 hrs UTC on 3 May, and a bulker attacked by multiple small vessels 11 nm west of Sirik in Iran while northbound towards the Strait of Hormuz at 11:30 hrs UTC on 3 May.