Fire aboard S.Korean Amphibious Landing Ship Forces Evacuation of 180 Personnel

A fire broke out aboard a South Korean Navy amphibious landing ship as it arrived at Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae, prompting the emergency evacuation of more than 180 personnel and injuring three.

According to South Korea’s Navy and local fire authorities, the fire began at 3:49 p.m. on Thursday inside the auxiliary engine room—a generator compartment—of the ROKS Hyang Ro Bong. The 2,600-ton vessel was docking at the naval base in Jinhae District, Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province.

Three individuals were transported to a naval hospital. One suffered first- and second-degree burns on their right arm and torso, while two others experienced breathing difficulties from smoke exposure.

“The Hyang Ro Bong was docked at Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae as of 6:10 p.m., and firefighting efforts are ongoing in coordination with the Changwon Fire Department,” said the Navy. “No additional casualties have been reported.”

More than 40 firefighters and 15 emergency units—including fireboats and pump trucks—were dispatched to control the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The ROKS Hyang Ro Bong is a 112-meter-long landing ship designed to carry troops, armored vehicles, tanks and helicopters. With a range of over 12,000 kilometers, the vessel has supported missions beyond combat, including humanitarian and disaster relief operations.

In 2005, the ship traveled nearly 6,000 kilometers to deliver emergency aid to Indonesia after the Indian Ocean tsunami, transporting relief supplies and recovery equipment such as excavators.