A tugboat flying the flag of the United Arab Emirates, the Musaffah 2, experienced an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, March 6, 2026. Authorities are currently searching for three Indonesian crew members who remain unaccounted for.
Heni Hamidah, the Acting Director for Indonesian Citizen Protection at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the incident involving the burning and sinking of the Musaffah 2 occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. Local time between the waters of the UAE and Oman.
“The incident took place in the Strait of Hormuz, between the waters of the UAE and Oman on March 6, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. Local time. According to eyewitnesses, the Musaffah 2 experienced an explosion that caused the vessel to catch fire and sink. As of now, authorities in the UAE and Oman are still investigating the cause of the incident,” Hamidah said on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Indonesian representatives are coordinating with authorities in the UAE, Oman, and the ship’s operating company, Safeen Prestige. The Musaffah 2 had a crew of seven individuals, comprised of Indonesian, Indian, and Filipino nationals.
Hamidah said four Indonesian nationals were aboard the vessel. One Indonesian crew member is reported to be in stable condition and receiving treatment for burns at a hospital. The remaining three Indonesian crew members are still being sought.
“Based on the information received, the Musaffah 2 had a total crew of seven personnel of Indonesian, Indian, and Filipino nationalities. Four crew members are safe, while three others are still being searched for,” Hamidah stated.
“Specifically regarding the four Indonesian crew members, one Indonesian national is safe and receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. The other three Indonesian nationals are still being searched for by local authorities,” she added.
Hamidah also noted that another Indonesian national was present in the area at the time of the incident, but was aboard a different vessel and is safe.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Currently, Indonesian representatives in the UAE and Oman are intensively coordinating with local authorities and the company to search for the three missing Indonesian crew members, ensure the care of the one safe Indonesian national, and communicate updates to family members in Indonesia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also urging a thorough investigation into this incident,” she said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East to increase their vigilance. It’s requesting that Indonesians in the region continue to coordinate with Indonesian representatives.
“Considering the security situation in the Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is again urging all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East, including Indonesian crew members working on ships, to remain vigilant, monitor the situation through official sources of information, and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian representative,” Hamidah said.
“Immediately register to ensure a quick and appropriate response from the Indonesian representative. In an emergency, immediately contact the relevant Indonesian representative hotline,” she added.
See also Video ‘3 Days Surviving with Airbag, Capsized Ship Crew in Batam Safe’:
(dwr/gbr)
The incident in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transport, raises concerns about maritime security in the region. The search for the missing crew members continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the explosion.
