Chronology of Musaffah 2 Vessel Explosion in the Strait of Hormuz, Detonated During Container Ship Rescue Operation

Jakarta — Indonesia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Yudha Nugraha, has disclosed the chronology of the Musaffah 2 vessel explosion in the Strait of Hormuz, waterway between the UAE and Oman, which occurred on Friday, 6 March 2026.

Based on eyewitness accounts from Indonesian nationals, the tugboat departed from Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to tow a damaged container ship. The Musaffah 2 arrived at the container ship’s location on 6 March at approximately 02:00 in the early morning.

“When preparing the towing operation, an explosion then occurred on the tugboat Musaffah 2,” Nugraha explained, citing Kompas TV coverage on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi received notification of the incident on the same day at 09:00 local time. Of those affected, four were Indonesian nationals. According to information received by the embassy, three Indonesian crew members remain missing whilst one is reported to have survived.

Since the incident, the Embassy in Abu Dhabi has coordinated with UAE authorities and the shipping company. The Embassy has also coordinated with the Indonesian mission in Muscat, as the incident location lies in Omani waters.

“Our surviving crew member is currently receiving hospital care after sustaining approximately 20 per cent burns,” Nugraha stated.

Local authorities continue search operations for the three missing Indonesian crew members.

Nugraha expressed reluctance to speculate on the cause, stating that investigations by local authorities are still ongoing.

“We do not wish to speculate on what caused the explosion. What we understand is that the vessel did explode and catch fire. However, as to the cause, we are awaiting results from the investigation by local authorities,” he emphasised.

When asked whether the Musaffah 2 explosion was connected to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to escalating Middle East tensions, Nugraha deemed such an assumption premature.

“The incident occurred at night, at 02:00 in the early morning, so eyewitnesses cannot confirm what caused the explosion. We await the investigation results,” he clarified.

However, Nugraha noted that all possibilities could be considered, including consequences arising from the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.