Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Saturday (7/3/2026) that the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 caught fire and sank in the Strait of Hormuz early on Friday morning between UAE and Omani waters, involving seven crew members, including four Indonesians. 

Witnesses reported an explosion on board that led to the vessel being engulfed in flames before it disappeared beneath the waves.

"One Indonesian crew is currently receiving treatment for burn injuries at a hospital in Khasab, Oman, while three other Indonesian crew members remain missing," the Directorate for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens (PWNI) said in a written statement reported by antaranews.com.

Search and rescue operations led by UAE and Omani authorities are ongoing to locate the three missing sailors. 

Meanwhile, another Indonesian crew who was present at the scene on a separate vessel has been confirmed safe. The Indonesian embassies in Abu Dhabi and Muscat are coordinating closely with local officials to monitor the investigation into the cause of the explosion and to provide updates to the victims' families. 

The Foreign Ministry has urged all Indonesians working in the Middle East maritime sector to maintain high levels of vigilance and stay in constant contact with the nearest Indonesian representative office.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)