The Panama-flagged bulk carrier HMM Namu is seen in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China on Jan. 5. The vessel is operated by Korean shipper HMM. [REUTERS/YONHAP]
The HMM Namu anchored in the Strait of Hormuz was hit by "unidentified airborne object" that struck the vessel’s stern, according to government officials on Sunday.
Authorities said there are limitations in determining the exact type and physical size of the object at this stage.
The government plans to conduct additional analysis of debris collected at the scene as part of the ongoing investigation, said the foreign ministry.
The announcement follows an on-site investigation by a seven-member government team into the explosion and fire aboard the Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu, operated by Korean shipping firm HMM.
The inspection began after the HMM Namu was towed from the strait to a port in Dubai on Friday.
The explosion occurred on late Monday, the same day the United States launched "Project Freedom," which is an operation intended to guide stranded commercial vessels through the strait and deter further attacks.
A large banner criticizing the United States and Israel and featuring a photo of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hangs on the exterior wall of the Iranian Embassy in Yongsan District, central Seoul, on March 12. [NEWS1]
There were 24 crew members on board, including six Koreans. The crew extinguished the fire about four hours after it broke out. There were no casualties.
The inspection team, comprising three inspectors from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and four forensic specialists from the National Fire Agency, reportedly analyzed the ship's voyage data recorder and security camera footage, and interviewed crew members.
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