Emergency Response: How Korea is Evacuating Nationals from Iran and Israel Amid Tensions

"Crew can request to leave ships... Companies must cover repatriation costs" "Preparing for extended crisis... Discussing essential supplies and evacuation plans" 24 South Koreans from Iran among 112 evacuated to nearby countries Energy Ministry to review domestic fuel prices with regulators

Officials report 26 South Korean ships in the Strait of Hormuz area, with 186 Korean nationals aboard – 144 on Korean vessels and 42 on foreign ships. Meanwhile, 24 South Koreans from Iran and 66 from Israel have been safely evacuated to neighboring countries.

These details were shared at a March 4 briefing by Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kim Seong-beom, Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jin-ah, and Director General for Industrial Resources Security Yang Ki-wook.

“We’re closely monitoring the 26 Korean ships inside the Strait of Hormuz, including the Persian Gulf,” said Vice Minister Kim. “Today we focused on crew safety.”

He elaborated: “There are 597 crew members on these Korean ships, including 144 Koreans. We’ve also identified 42 Korean sailors on foreign vessels in the area.” This brings the total number of Koreans in the inner Strait of Hormuz to 186.

Kim noted these figures may be adjusted as verification continues.

“We’re tracking ship locations, safety status, food and supply levels, and crew rotations,” Kim stated. “We’ve set up counseling services and direct communication lines for crew members, with five phone numbers available to contact our Seafarer Policy Division.”

Kim emphasized that in high-risk zones like the Strait of Hormuz, crew members have the right to request disembarkation, with companies covering repatriation costs. However, no such requests have been made yet.

The ministry is assessing essential supplies on ships in case of a prolonged crisis. “We’re working with shipping companies on resupply plans and evacuation procedures if needed,” Kim added.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kim reported, “Last night, 24 Koreans in Iran were safely evacuated to Turkmenistan with help from our diplomatic staff and rapid response team. The 66 Koreans in Israel were also safely moved to Egypt.” Additionally, two Koreans in Iraq and ten in Bahrain were relocated to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, respectively.

Director General Yang stated, “We’ve activated emergency protocols to manage supply chain risks with oil producers and key industries, anticipating a potential long-term situation in the Middle East.”

Yang noted increased volatility in global oil and gas prices due to risk premiums associated with the ongoing Middle East tensions. “We’re monitoring price trends and tanker operations daily, ready to implement necessary measures as the situation evolves,” he said.

“On March 5, we’ll meet with the Korea Petroleum Management Service and refiners to review oil supply, market conditions, and domestic fuel price trends,” Yang announced. He stressed that authorities would “take firm action against any market disruptions, working with the Fair Trade Commission and Petroleum Management Service.”

By Ra-jin Jeong (realjin03@viva100.com)