Two Indonesian Seafarers Repatriated After Missile Attack in Strait of Hormuz

Jakarta: The Directorate General of Sea Transportation oversaw the repatriation of two Indonesian seafarers affected by a missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran. The pair arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport on Wednesday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m. WIB.
 
The Director of Shipping and Seafarers, Samsuddin, said the pair had been working aboard the tanker MT Belma, when the vessel was struck by two missiles during a voyage to the Kharg Island Anchorage on July 15.
 
The attack left the ship’s engine inoperable, with the vessel drifting dangerously close to shore. The captain subsequently decided to anchor the tanker the following day.
 
On July 17, while stationary, MT Belma was once again hit by a missile, prompting the crew to assemble at the bow while awaiting evacuation. At around 6:00 p.m. local time, a rescue vessel evacuated all crew members to Kharg Island, where they received further assistance.
 
Samsuddin expressed appreciation to the parties involved in the repatriation effort, including local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens Abroad (PWNI), and government representatives.
 
Moving forward, the Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and repatriating Indonesian citizens abroad.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)