U.S. Navy Sailor Sidelined by Monkey Attack During Stopover in Thailand

A U.S. Navy sailor aboard the minesweeper USS Chief was attacked by a monkey during a stopover in Phuket, Thailand, and had to remain behind as the vessel continued to the Strait of Hormuz, officials said. The electronics technician, who was not publicly identified, was scratched by the monkey while ashore.

The injuries were not severe, but the sailor was evacuated to the ship's base in Sasebo, Japan, for medical care.

A military official described the event as unexpected. The official stated that encounters with macaques in Thailand can be dangerous due to the risk of Herpes B virus, according to warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thailand has populations of macaques in cities, which can steal items from people and sometimes lead to violent incidents.

In 2024, about 2,500 macaques gathered in the town of Lopburi, prompting officials to manage the situation.

The USS Chief, along with the USS Pioneer, is tasked with clearing mines placed by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a key oil transit route, and the mines have disrupted traffic, leaving hundreds of ships stuck in the Persian Gulf. President Trump announced on Thursday that efforts to clear the strait are being increased to address rising oil prices caused by the war.

The U.S. is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports as part of these operations.

“Our mine ‘sweepers’ are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level!”

The monkey attack did not impact the USS Chief's journey or the overall minesweeping mission.