8 more Korean-operated vessels exit Strait of Hormuz

The very large crude carrier Universal Winner, a Korean oil tanker operated by Korean shipping company HMM, reaches waters off the southeastern port city of Ulsan, June 10. Yonhap

Eight more Korean-operated vessels have exited the Strait of Hormuz following last week's ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, bringing the total number of vessels that have left the region to five, the maritime ministry said Friday.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said the ships safely passed through the strategic waterway and are sailing normally.

A total of 37 Korean sailors were aboard the vessels, with one vessel bound for Korea, the ministry said.

With the latest departure, the number of Korean-linked ships remaining inside the strait has fallen to five.

The ministry said 47 Korean sailors remain in the Persian Gulf, including 30 aboard foreign-flagged ships.

Under the ceasefire 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 interim pact.