Tugboat Sinks in Strait of Hormuz, Three Indonesians Reported Missing

Jakarta: A tugboat named Musaffah 2, flying the United Arab Emirates flag, exploded and sank in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, 2026, at around 2:00 a.m. local time.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that reports of the incident were received through the Indonesian Embassies (KBRI) in Abu Dhabi and Muscat.

"Based on eyewitness accounts, the ship experienced an explosion that caused a massive fire before sinking in waters between the United Arab Emirates and Oman," said Heni Hamidah, Acting Director of Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a written statement to the media on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Authorities in both countries are still investigating the cause of the incident.

Three Indonesians Still Sought

The Indonesian representative immediately coordinated with local authorities and the ship's owner, Safeen Prestige. Based on information obtained, the Musaffah 2 was crewed by seven Indonesian, Indian, and Filipino nationals.

Heni stated that four crew members were reported safe, while the search for three others is ongoing.

Meanwhile, of the four Indonesian crew members affected, one survived but suffered burns and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Khasab City, Oman.

"Three other Indonesian citizens are still missing and are being searched for by local authorities," Heni said.

In addition, another Indonesian citizen was at the scene of the incident but was on a different vessel and is reported safe.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Intensive Coordination

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Indonesian Representatives in the United Arab Emirates and Oman continue to intensively coordinate with local authorities and relevant companies.

These efforts are being made to ensure the optimal search for the three missing Indonesian citizens and to ensure the care of the survivors.

"Updates on the handling of this incident are also being continuously communicated to the victims' families in Indonesia," Heni stated.

Furthermore, the Indonesian government is pushing for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the ship explosion.

Appeal to Indonesian Citizens

Considering the still unstable security situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its appeal to all Indonesian citizens in the region, including crew members operating in international waters, to increase their vigilance.

Indonesian citizens are asked to monitor developments through official sources and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian Mission.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urges all Indonesian citizens in the region to report themselves immediately so that Indonesian Missions can respond quickly in the event of an emergency.