Three Indonesian Seafarers Missing in the Strait of Hormuz After Musaffah 2 Explosion, Indonesian Embassy Mobilises

Three Indonesian crew members are still being searched for after the UAE-flagged tug Musaffah 2 exploded and sank in the Strait of Hormuz. The Indonesian Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Muscat are coordinating intensively with local authorities and the company to locate the three missing Indonesian crew members, ensure care for the one Indonesian survivor, and inform families in Indonesia of developments.

The Indonesian government is urging a thorough investigation into the incident. The survivor has been brought to Abu Dhabi and provided consular assistance. On 7 March 2026, the company took the survivor to Abu Dhabi, including one Indonesian national. The Indonesian Embassy has met with the survivor and provided consular support.

It is known that the Musaffah 2 tugboat, flying the UAE flag, suffered an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate there were three Indonesian crew members among those being sought. Acting Director for WNI Protection at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Heni Hamidah, said the incident occurred on Thursday (6 March 2026). The vessel sank in waters between the UAE and Oman at around 02:00 local time. According to witnesses, Musaffah 2 exploded, causing the vessel to burn and sink. Authorities in the UAE and Oman are still investigating the cause of the incident.

The MOFA noted that the Indonesian representations are coordinating with UAE and Omani authorities and Safeen Prestige, the company involved. Musaffah 2 carried seven crew members of Indonesian, Indian and Filipino nationality. It is stated that four Indonesians were on board; one Indonesian survivor is receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman, while the other three Indonesians remain under search by local authorities.

There was one more Indonesian on site at the time of the incident, but he was aboard a different vessel and is safe. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to push for a thorough investigation into the incident.