Beware of unexpected encounters with the local wildlife.
An incident involving a US Navy sailor demonstrates just how unpredictable nature can be. The sailor, who was preparing for minesweeping operations in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, was unexpectedly attacked by a monkey while on a brief stopover in Thailand. This unforeseen event resulted in the sailor being unable to continue his journey with the USS Chief minesweeper, according to reports from officials.
The sailor, whose identity has not been disclosed, was en route to the Middle East when the monkey scratched him during a visit to the bustling city of Phuket. The encounter, deemed an “unknown unknown” by a military official, highlights how unusual incidents can disrupt even the most carefully planned missions.
Thailand is renowned for its mischievous macaques, which frequently roam urban areas, pilfering food and belongings from unsuspecting passersby. Occasionally, these interactions escalate into more aggressive encounters. The country’s macaques made international headlines in 2024 when an overwhelming troop of 2,500 descended upon the tourist hotspot of Lopburi, posing significant challenges for local authorities trying to manage the situation.
Thailand is known for having mischievous macaques who go around the nation’s cities stealing food and items from bystanders, with some of the incidents even turning violent.
The sinister simians made headlines in 2024 after 2,500 of them descended on the popular tourist town of Lopburi, where officials struggled to get the monkeys back in line.
Encounters with macaques can be dangerous as the primates can carry the Herpes B virus, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning people to seek medical care immediately if they are attacked by the monkeys.
While the sailor’s injuries were not severe, he was evacuated to the Chief’s base in Sasebo, Japan, to get proper attention, officials said.
The strange incident, however, did not affect the Chief’s journey to the Strait of Hormuz, where the vessel, along with the USS Pioneer, are tasked with clearing the waterway of Iranian mines.
Iran has littered the strait, a key oil chokepoint, with its dangerous mines, which has shut down traffic and kept hundreds of ships stuck in the Persian Gulf.
President Trump has said on Thursday that the US, which is holding its own blockade of Iranian ports, is ramping up its efforts to clear the Strait of Hormuz to help alleviate soaring oil prices caused by the war.
“Our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now,” Trump said. “I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!”
