The US Navy sailor was sent to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines but was attacked by a monkey while on shore leave in Phuket, Thailand, and had to be medically evacuated
Macaques monkey(Image: Getty)
A US Navy sailor required medical evacuation after being assaulted by a monkey en route to the Strait of Hormuz, reports suggest.
The unidentified sailor was on a minesweeping task when he was scratched by a monkey during shore leave in Phuket, Thailand.
The unnamed crew member was evacuated to the Chief’s forward post in Sasebo, Japan, for appropriate medical treatment.
The Navy has confirmed that the sailor is in stable condition and the mission has not been delayed.
A spokesperson stated, “The sailor received medical care and was transferred back to Japan for further care. There were no operational impacts or delays to Chief.”
A source informed Axios: “Normally, you worry that sailors ashore would be at risk of catching a disease from some other activity, not from a monkey.”
Macaques can transmit the Herpes B virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and those who are attacked should seek medical attention immediately.
Officials have said the incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges military personnel may face even outside of combat zones.
The sailor was part of a team deployed on the USS Chief, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures vessel, heading towards the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
The US continues to blockade Iranian ports while a peace agreement is being negotiated.
US President Donald Trump has declared that he’s instructed the US Navy “to shoot and kill any boat” laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also stated that US minesweepers were operating “at a tripled up level” to remove any mines from the waters.
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