A US Navy sailor assigned to a minesweeping mission in the Strait of Hormuz was unexpectedly sidelined after being attacked by a monkey during a stopover in Thailand. The incident occurred while the sailor was ashore in Phuket, a place known for its large population of macaques.
Attack during stopover
The sailor, identified as an electronics technician aboard the USS Chief, was scratched by a monkey while off-duty. Following the incident, he was medically evacuated as a precaution and taken to the ship’s forward base in Sasebo, Japan, for further evaluation.
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According to the reports of WION, officials said the injuries were not serious, but the evacuation was necessary due to potential health risks associated with monkey bites or scratches. Macaques, common in Thailand, can carry infections such as the Herpes B virus, making even minor injuries a concern.
'Weird stuff happens'
Commenting on the unusual episode, a military official said, “Weird stuff happens. This was definitely an unknown unknown.”
As per the reports of the WION, the Navy also confirmed that the incident had no operational impact on the mission.
Mission continues in Strait of Hormuz
Despite the unexpected disruption, the USS Chief continued its deployment along with another vessel, USS Pioneer. The ships were sent to the Strait of Hormuz to clear naval mines reportedly laid in the region, a key global oil transit route.
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The waterway is strategically significant, as a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes through it. Ongoing tensions and threats from mines have already affected maritime movement in the area.
A reminder of unpredictability
While military operations often prepare for complex threats, the incident highlights how unexpected situations can arise even during routine stopovers.
Though unusual, the episode did not delay the mission, and the sailor is reported to be in stable condition.
