Three Indonesian Crew Missing After UAE Tugboat Sinks Following Explosion

A United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat, the Musaffah 2, sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, leaving three Indonesian crew members missing, Indonesia’s foreign ministry reported Saturday. The vessel reportedly caught fire following an explosion prior to sinking.

One Indonesian crew member survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. The foreign ministry confirmed that local authorities are continuing their search for the three missing Indonesians.

According to the ministry, the circumstances surrounding the explosion and subsequent sinking remain under investigation by Omani officials. Details on the cause of the blast or the condition of the tugboat prior to the incident have not yet been released.

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The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass, and incidents involving vessels in the area often raise regional safety concerns. Shipping authorities and international maritime organizations monitor the strait closely due to its geopolitical importance.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry has urged caution and confirmed it is coordinating with Omani authorities to support the search and ensure the welfare of its citizens. Meanwhile, shipping operators in the region are being advised to follow safety protocols and maintain vigilance amid ongoing investigations.

The incident underscores the risks faced by maritime workers in one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive shipping corridors. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and authorities continue search efforts for the missing crew members.

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