Foreign Ministry: UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 carrying Indonesian crew sinks in the Strait of Hormuz

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu) said that the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2, which carried seven crew members including four Indonesian nationals (WNI), caught fire and sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, 6 March 2026, at 02:00 local time. Eyewitnesses, according to the statement, said the tugboat experienced an explosion that caused the vessel to burn and sink. So far, UAE and Oman authorities are conducting investigations into the cause of the incident.

Kemlu said the tugboat carried seven crew in total, consisting of Indonesian, Indian, and Filipino nationals. Four crew members survived, while three others are still being searched for. Of the four Indonesians, one is receiving treatment for burn injuries at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman, while the other three Indonesians are still being sought by local authorities. It was also noted that aside from these four Indonesians, there is one more Indonesian at the scene who was on a different vessel and is safe.

Indonesia’s representatives in the UAE and Oman continue to coordinate with local authorities and relevant parties to search for the three missing Indonesian crew, ensure treatment for the Indonesian survivor, and convey developments to families in Indonesia, Kemlu said. Kemlu again urged all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East, including seafarers, to remain vigilant, monitor developments through official information sources, and maintain contact with the nearest Indonesian mission. ‘Please report immediately to ensure a rapid and appropriate response from the Indonesian Mission. In an emergency, contact the Indonesian Mission’s hotline,’ the statement said.