National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac on May 11 at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul speaks at a news briefing on the attack on the domestic vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz. (Yonhap News)

By Xu Aiying

National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac on May 11 blasted the recent attack on the domestic civilian vessel HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "The Korean government strongly condemns this, maintaining the position that attacks on civilian vessels like the Namu cannot be justified or tolerated."

"We intend to identify the attacker, exact model and physical size of the attack through further investigation," he told a news briefing at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. "Accordingly, we will also consider necessary responses."

"Two unidentified aircraft hit the stern plating of the Namu twice at intervals of about a minute, and flames and smoke along with vibrations occurred after the impact."

"The attack caused damage 1-1.5 m above sea level," he added. "Considering the damage pattern caused by pressure from the explosion and the shape of the hemispherical penetration, it appears less likely that the Namu was hit by a mine or torpedo."

"Further investigation is needed on more accurate information about the projectile."

"We will continue to communicate with related countries to prevent such an incident from recurring, as well as redouble efforts to bolster the safety of all domestic vessels and their crew operating in nearby waters," he said. "We will keep participating in the related efforts of the international community to guarantee the safety of all vessels -- including ours -- and their freedom of navigation."

xuaiy@korea.kr