One Indonesian Crew Member Still Missing After Houthi Drone Attack on MV Tihamah
One Indonesian crew member is still missing after the MV Tihamah was targeted in a Houthi drone attack in the Bab Al Mandab Strait, Yemen, on Tuesday (11/8). Of the three Indonesian nationals aboard the vessel, one sustained minor injuries and another is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, through the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat, is intensively monitoring the incident. Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the ministry, stated that coordination is underway with various authorities to ascertain the condition of the crew.
According to data gathered by the Muscat embassy, the MV Tihamah was carrying 11 crew members, comprising eight Pakistani nationals and three Indonesians. “The incident occurred when the ship was docked at the Port of Bab Al Mandab, Murad, Yemen,” Heni said when contacted on Wednesday (12/8).
Information regarding the crew’s condition was obtained through direct communication with the surviving Indonesian sailors. There are suspicions that the missing Indonesian crew member may have died in the drone strike. However, Heni emphasised that the ministry is still conducting in-depth coordination to obtain valid confirmation regarding the victim’s whereabouts and status.
The Indonesian Embassy in Muscat continues to communicate with the Yemeni Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ship’s operating company, and the two surviving Indonesian crew members. These efforts aim to ensure maximum protection and to monitor the security situation at the site.
“Our efforts include medical treatment for the injured crew member and preparations to facilitate the repatriation of the surviving Indonesians,” Heni added. However, the repatriation process will only be carried out once the injured crew member’s health improves and the security situation in Yemen permits. In addition to on-site handling, Indonesian representatives are also providing regular support and information to the affected families back home.
The incident involving the MV Tihamah adds to a long list of attacks on commercial vessels in the Bab Al Mandab area. This strategic waterway, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, remains a hotspot due to ongoing armed conflict. The Indonesian government has stressed that the safety of its citizens working in the international shipping sector is a top priority.