Foreign Ministry Urges Thorough Investigation into Explosion of Vessel in the Strait of Hormuz
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kementerian Luar Negeri, Kemlu) has called for a thorough investigation into the explosion and fire on the UAE-flagged tug Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel was carrying a number of Indonesian crew members (WNI).
The ministry said it is also pushing for a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, with Indonesian representatives coordinating with authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman as well as the shipping company involved, according to spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang in a video statement from Jakarta on Sunday, 8 March.
Ms Mewengkang explained that Kemlu received reports through the Indonesian embassies in Abu Dhabi and Muscat on 6 March. The incident occurred in waters between the UAE and Oman at 02:00 local time.
At the time of the incident, Musaffah 2 had seven crew aboard, four of whom were Indonesian nationals (WNI). In addition, there were six technicians on board, including one Indonesian.
The incident began while Musaffah 2 was conducting checks on the container ship Safeen Prestige, which was experiencing damage. Eyewitness accounts indicate a sudden, powerful explosion triggered a large fire on Musaffah 2.
During the blaze, four Indonesian crew members were on Musaffah 2, while another Indonesian technician was on Safeen Prestige.
Regarding the condition of the Indonesian personnel, Yvonne stated that one Indonesian crew member sustained burns and is receiving intensive care at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman. Meanwhile, one Indonesian technician survived and has arrived in Abu Dhabi.
However, to date, three Indonesian crew members are still reported missing and are being searched for.
“At present, Indonesian representatives in the UAE and Oman are coordinating intensively with local authorities and the ship’s operator to locate the three missing Indonesian crew members and to ensure medical care for the rescued crew, while continuing to update the families in Indonesia,” Mewengkang said.
Kemlu continues to monitor the investigation into the cause of the explosion and while doing so, urges all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East region, in particular seafarers, to be vigilant. Indonesian nationals are advised to monitor official information and report to the nearest Indonesian representative promptly in case of emergencies.