Jakarta, MINA – Three Indonesian nationals are missing after a tugboat carrying them exploded and sank in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry.
The vessel, Musaffah 2, which sailed under the flag of the United Arab Emirates, reportedly caught fire following an explosion before sinking on Friday.
Of the four Indonesian crew members working aboard the tugboat, one survived but suffered burn injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. The remaining three are still missing and are being searched for by local authorities.
Indonesia’s government said its diplomatic missions in the region are coordinating closely with authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Oman, as well as the vessel’s owner, to accelerate search and rescue operations.
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The Foreign Ministry has also urged Indonesian seafarers working in the Middle East to remain vigilant and regularly report their whereabouts to the nearest Indonesian diplomatic mission.
The incident occurred amid rising security tensions in the Persian Gulf, where escalating confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has heightened risks in regional waters.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. About 20% of global oil supplies pass through the route each day.
Security analysts warn that rising attacks on vessels in the area could threaten the safety of international sailors and disrupt global trade.
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Some shipping companies have reportedly begun avoiding the Strait of Hormuz or delaying voyages due to growing security concerns.[]
Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)
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