Uncertainty Over Fate of Three Indonesian Nationals After Musaffah 2 Vessel Explodes in Strait of Hormuz
The Emirati-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 experienced an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz. It has been reported that three Indonesian crew members are missing and rescue operations are ongoing.
Heni Hamidah, Acting Director of Citizens’ Protection at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, stated that the incident involving the burning and sinking of the Musaffah 2 occurred on Thursday, 6 March 2026. The vessel sank between UAE and Oman waters at 02:00 local time.
“The incident took place in the Strait of Hormuz, between UAE and Oman waters on 6 March 2026 at 02:00 local time. According to eyewitness accounts, the Musaffah 2 experienced an explosion that caused the vessel to catch fire and sink. To date, authorities in the UAE and Oman continue to investigate the cause of this incident,” Heni told journalists on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
The Foreign Ministry stated that Indonesian representatives are coordinating with UAE, Omani authorities and Safeen Prestige company officials. The Musaffah 2 comprised seven crew members from Indonesia, India and the Philippines.
Three Indonesian Nationals Under Search
The Acting Director of Citizens’ Protection at the Foreign Ministry stated that a total of four Indonesian nationals were employed as crew members on the vessel. One Indonesian national is reported to be safe and is currently receiving treatment for burn injuries at a hospital.
“Based on information received, the Musaffah 2 had a total crew of seven personnel from Indonesia, India and the Philippines. Four crew members are safe, whilst three others remain in search operations,” Heni said.
“Specifically regarding the condition of the four Indonesian crew members, one Indonesian national is safe and receiving treatment for burn injuries at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. The other three Indonesian nationals are continuing to be searched for by local authorities,” she added.
Heni noted that there was another Indonesian national present at the time of the incident. However, this individual was aboard a different vessel and remained safe.
This Indonesian national is a technician. At the time of the explosion aboard the Musaffah 2, the Indonesian technician was aboard the Safeen Prestige container ship and survived the incident.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry is pressing for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The cause of the vessel’s explosion must be determined.
“Currently, Indonesian representatives in the UAE and Oman are intensively coordinating with local authorities and the company for the search operation for the three missing Indonesian crew members, ensuring the care of the one surviving Indonesian national and conveying developments in handling to families in Indonesia. The Foreign Ministry is also pressing for a comprehensive investigation into this incident,” Heni said.
The Indonesian Foreign Ministry has urged all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East to increase their vigilance. She requested that Indonesians in the region continue to coordinate with Indonesian representatives on this matter.
“Given the security situation in the Middle East region, the Foreign Ministry again urges all Indonesian nationals in the Middle East, including Indonesian crew members working on maritime vessels, to continually increase vigilance, monitor developments in the situation through official information sources and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian representative,” Heni said.
“Immediately register with the nearest representative to ensure rapid and appropriate response from the Indonesian representative. In case of emergency, immediately contact the hotline of the relevant Indonesian representative,” she added.
The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat are coordinating intensively with local authorities to search for the three missing Indonesian nationals in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows the explosion of the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 in the area.
“Currently, the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat are intensively coordinating with local authorities and the company for the search operation for the three missing Indonesian crew members, ensuring the care of the one surviving Indonesian national and conveying developments in handling to families in Indonesia,” a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi read on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
The Indonesian Government is pressing for a comprehensive investigation into the explosion incident. The Indonesian national who survived the incident has been brought to Abu Dhabi and provided consular assistance.
“The Indonesian representatives are also pressing for a comprehensive investigation into this incident. On 7 March 2026, the company brought the survivor to Abu Dhabi, including one Indonesian national. The Embassy has met with the Indonesian national and provided consular support,” the statement said.