Indonesian Crew Missing After Tugboat Explosion in Strait of Hormuz
Jakarta – A United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat, the Musaffah 2, sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, March 5, 2026, following an explosion, and fire. Three Indonesian crew members remain missing, according to officials.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the incident occurred between the waters of the UAE and Oman at approximately 2:00 a.m. Local time on March 6, 2026. Eyewitness accounts describe an explosion that ignited the vessel, leading to its sinking. Authorities in both the UAE and Oman are currently investigating the cause of the incident.
The Musaffah 2 was carrying a total of seven crew members representing Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. Four crew members survived the incident, while the search continues for the remaining three.
According to a statement from the Directorate for Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, one of the four surviving Indonesian crew members is receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in Khasab City, Oman. Local authorities are actively searching for the three missing Indonesian nationals.
In addition to the four Indonesian crew members aboard the tugboat, another Indonesian citizen was present in the area at the time of the incident, but was on a different vessel and is reported to be safe.
Indonesian representatives in the UAE and Oman are coordinating closely with local authorities and the ship’s operating company, Safeen Prestige, to locate the missing crew members, ensure the well-being of the injured survivor, and provide updates to their families in Indonesia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also urging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
“We have coordinated with the company and are currently coordinating with local authorities for the search process,” said Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, Judha Nugraha, on Friday night, March 6, 2026.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also gathering detailed information about all crew members involved to confirm identities and facilitate communication with their families.
Amidst heightened military tensions in the Gulf region stemming from conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a renewed call for all Indonesian citizens in the Middle East to exercise increased vigilance. They are encouraged to stay informed through official sources and maintain close contact with the nearest Indonesian representative office.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs again urges all Indonesian citizens in the Middle East, including Indonesian crew members working on ships, to remain vigilant, monitor the situation through official sources, and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian representative,” stated a spokesperson for the Ministry.
Indonesian citizens are also advised to register with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in their area to ensure a swift and appropriate response in case of emergency. Emergency contact information for Indonesian representatives in the region is readily available.