Two Korean-linked ships leave Hormuz

Two Korean-operated vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz following last week's cease-fire agreement between the United States and Iran that reopened the strategic waterway, the maritime ministry said Monday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the vessels are sailing normally after passing through the strait, but they have yet to completely leave the high-risk part of the passage.

No Korean crew members are on board the vessels, and they are not bound for Korea, the ministry said, declining to disclose further details due to safety concerns.

Under the cease-fire agreement reached with Washington, Tehran has agreed to allow vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz without any fees for 60 days following the signing of the deal.

With the departure of the two vessels, the number of Korean-linked ships remaining in the strait has fallen to 22.

The ministry said 135 Korean sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, including 102 aboard Korean-operated vessels and 33 serving on foreign-flagged ships.

Yonhap