Indonesian Foreign Ministry Reveals Status of Four Indonesian Nationals Aboard Musaffah 2 After Explosion in the Strait of Hormuz

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has disclosed that four Indonesian nationals were among the crew of the Musaffah 2 tugboat, which exploded, caught fire and sank in the Strait of Hormuz. Spokesperson for MoFA, Yvonne Mewengkang, told reporters on Sunday (8 March 2026) about the fate of the four Indonesian seafarers aboard the vessels.

‘At the time of the incident, the Musaffah 2 was conducting checks on the damaged container ship Safeen Prestige,’ she said. ‘According to eyewitnesses, Musaffah 2 experienced an explosion that caused the vessel to burn.’ At the time of the incident, four Indonesian seafarers were on board Musaffah 2 and one Indonesian technician was on the container ship Safeen Prestige.”

Yvonne explained that one Indonesian crew member sustained burn injuries and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. The other Indonesian, a technician on the container ship, was found safe in Abu Dhabi.

‘The status of the Indonesians is as follows: one Indonesian crew member is being treated for burn injuries at a hospital in Khasab, Oman, and one Indonesian technician who was found safe is in Abu Dhabi,’ she said.

Yvonne added that three Indonesian crew on Musaffah 2 remain missing and local authorities are conducting search efforts. The Indonesian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (PEA) and Oman are continuing to coordinate with authorities.

‘Currently, Indonesian representatives in the UAE (PEA) and Oman are intensively coordinating with local authorities and the vessel operator to locate the three missing Indonesian sailors and to ensure medical care for the surviving crew, while keeping the families in Indonesia updated on developments,’ she said.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a thorough investigation into the incident. At present, authorities in the UAE and Oman are continuing investigations into the cause of the explosion.

The MoFA urged all Indonesian citizens in the Middle East region, including those on ships, to remain vigilant, monitor developments through official information sources, maintain contact with the nearest Indonesian mission, and report to authorities promptly in case of an emergency.

‘In an emergency, immediately contact the Indonesian mission hotlines,’ she added.

It is noted that the Musaffah 2 tugboat, flying the flag of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), experienced an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz. Three Indonesian crew members are reported as missing in the search operation.

Acting Director for Indonesian Citizen Protection at MoFA, Heni Hamidah, said the incident of the Musaffah 2’s burning and sinking occurred on Thursday (6 March 2026) at 02:00 local time. The vessel sank in the waters between the UAE and Oman.

‘The incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, between the waters of the UAE and Oman on 6 March 2026 at 02:00 local time,’ Heni told reporters on Sunday (8 March 2026). ‘According to eyewitnesses, Musaffah 2 exploded, causing the vessel to burn and sink. To date, authorities in the UAE and Oman are still investigating the cause of the incident,’ she said.

The MoFA noted that its representatives are coordinating with authorities in the UAE (PEA), Oman and the Safeen Prestige company. Musaffah 2 comprises seven crew members of Indonesian, Indian, and Filipino nationalities.