U.S. Navy Sailor Assigned To Remove Mines In Strait Of Hormuz Sidelined After Monkey Attack

A US Navy sailor assigned to the USS Chief was removed from a minesweeping deployment to the Strait of Hormuz after being scratched by a monkey during a stopover in Phuket, Thailand, according to US officials.

The sailor, an electronics technician whose identity was not disclosed, was part of the crew aboard the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship as it headed toward the Middle East for operations linked to clearing naval mines in the strategic waterway

US Navy officials said the sailor suffered only minor injuries but was transferred back to the ship’s base in Sasebo, Japan, for further medical care as a precaution because of contact with a wild animal.

Cmdr. Matthew Comer, spokesperson for the Navy’s 7th Fleet, said the sailor received treatment and was moved to Japan for additional care. Officials said the incident caused no operational delays and did not affect the USS Chief’s mission.

The monkey attack reportedly happened while the vessel was briefly moored in Phuket for refueling.

Axios first reported the incident and quoted a military official saying unusual incidents can happen during deployments.

Despite the incident, the USS Chief is continuing to the Strait of Hormuz, where it is expected to operate alongside USS Pioneer in mine countermeasure duties.

Both vessels have been tasked with helping secure the waterway amid tensions involving Iran and ongoing disruption to commercial traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly 20% of global energy supplies, including crude oil and liquefied natural gas.

The route has faced major shipping disruption amid the standoff between the United States and Iran.

US officials have said naval efforts are focused on preventing further mine threats and restoring safer navigation through the corridor.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly warned that any new mine-laying activity would violate an ongoing ceasefire.

President Donald Trump also said this week that US mine-clearing activity in the strait was being intensified, while the military reportedly intercepted two oil supertankers accused of attempting to bypass restrictions tied to Iranian ports.

The Navy did not identify the monkey species involved. Thailand is known for macaques that often interact aggressively with people and sometimes snatch food and belongings.

Authorities have also warned such animals can carry Herpes B virus, which is why medical protocols were followed after the attack.

Thailand’s monkey population drew global attention in 2024 when around 2,500 macaques overran the city of Lopburi, forcing officials to intervene.

References: navytimes, nypost