US sailor from minesweeping ship headed for Strait of Hormuz sidelined by monkey attack
A U.S. Navy service member bound for a Middle East mission was unexpectedly sidelined after an encounter with a monkey during a stop in Thailand.
The sailor, an electronics technician assigned to a minesweeping operation, had been traveling aboard the USS Chief when the incident occurred in Phuket. While on shore leave, the sailor was scratched by a monkey—an unusual but not unheard-of hazard in parts of Thailand. A military official described the situation as one of those unpredictable events that can arise without warning.
Thailand’s macaque population is well known for causing trouble in urban and tourist areas. These monkeys frequently snatch food and belongings, and in some cases, their behavior turns aggressive. In 2024, thousands of macaques overwhelmed the town of Lopburi, creating widespread disruption and drawing international attention.
Beyond the nuisance, these animals can pose health risks. Macaques are known carriers of the Herpes B virus, a potentially serious infection. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, advise immediate medical evaluation after any bite or scratch.
Although the sailor’s injuries were described as minor, he was removed from duty and transported to a naval facility in Sasebo, Japan, for treatment and monitoring.
Despite the setback, the USS Chief continued its deployment without delay. The ship, alongside the USS Pioneer, is part of an effort to remove naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. Iranian mines have disrupted traffic in the region, leaving numerous vessels unable to pass through the Persian Gulf.
Donald Trump addressed the situation on Thursday, stating that American forces are actively working to clear the waterway. He added that operations would be significantly expanded to speed up the effort and ease pressure on oil markets affected by the conflict.
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