Image for representation purposes only South Korean-operated bulk carrier Namu is expected to leave the Strait of Hormuz by mid-to-late July after repairs are completed on damage caused during an attack in May, South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Wednesday. The vessel, operated by HMM, is one of only two South Korea-linked ships still in the Persian Gulf after another stranded vessel safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz this week. The ministry said 35 South Korean sailors remain in the region, including 28 serving on foreign-flagged ships. Vice Oceans Minister Nam Jae-heon said 21 South Korean-operated vessels have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz since Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire two weeks ago. He also said a South Korean-operated vehicle carrier carrying six South Korean sailors has exited the waterway and is continuing its voyage to South Korea. Namu is currently at a port in Dubai, where it is being repaired after its hull was hit near the stern during the May attack. The ministry expects the ship to leave the Strait of Hormuz once the repairs are completed. After the incident, South Korea said on May 27 that the damage was probably caused by an Iranian anti-ship missile. Seoul summoned Iran’s ambassador, Saeed Koozechi, to present the findings of its investigation and lodge a formal protest. Koozechi denied Iran was involved, according to Yonhap News Agency. South Korea later said it could not confirm who was responsible for the attack or whether it was intentional. A ministry official said HMM is paying for the repairs. A company spokesperson also confirmed that the shipping company plans to file an insurance claim to recover the costs. When asked whether South Korea would seek compensation from Iran or the United States for the repair costs, Nam said the government may review the matter later but did not provide further details. The ministry said only two South Korea-linked vessels now remain in t