JAKARTA, Indonesia — Three Indonesian crew members remain missing after a United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz, triggering an ongoing search and rescue operation in one of the world’s most important maritime routes.
According to Indonesian authorities, the tugboat Musaffah 2 reportedly caught fire after an explosion before eventually sinking in waters between the United Arab Emirates and Oman. At the time of the incident, seven crew members from Indonesia, India, and the Philippines were onboard the vessel.
Officials confirmed that four crew members survived the incident, while three Indonesian sailors remain unaccounted for. One Indonesian crew member who survived reportedly sustained burn injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment in Khasab, Oman.
Local maritime authorities immediately launched a search and rescue operation in the surrounding waters to locate the missing crew members. Rescue teams from nearby countries are continuing coordinated efforts as investigations into the incident proceed.
Initial reports indicated that the tugboat had been deployed to assist a nearby container ship when the explosion occurred. However, the exact cause of the blast and the subsequent sinking of the vessel has not yet been officially confirmed.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, serving as a key passage for global oil and cargo shipments. Incidents in the area often draw international attention due to the waterway’s strategic importance.
Authorities from Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman are currently working together to determine the cause of the accident while continuing efforts to locate the missing sailors.