U.S. sailor en route to Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack
Summary
A U.S. Navy sailor on a minesweeping ship headed to the Strait of Hormuz was scratched by a monkey while on shore leave in Thailand and was evacuated for medical care. The incident did not affect the ship’s mission, which is focused on clearing mines placed by Iran in the strategic waterway.Key Facts
- The sailor was on the USS Chief, an Avenger-class mine-countermeasures ship, part of a mission to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
- The scratch happened during a stop in Phuket, Thailand, where aggressive long-tailed macaque monkeys are common.
- The sailor was sent to the ship’s forward base in Sasebo, Japan, for further medical care.
- The Navy said the incident caused no delays or problems with the USS Chief’s mission.
- The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route, carrying about 20% of the world’s oil during peacetime.
- USS Chief and USS Pioneer were sent to hunt mines and are supported by helicopters, drones, aircraft, and destroyers.
- President Donald Trump confirmed on social media that the minesweeping operation is ongoing and ordered increased efforts and strict rules against boats placing mines.
- The Centers for Disease Control warns that macaque monkeys can carry diseases like the Herpes B virus, and scratches should be treated immediately.
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