Three Indonesian crew members are missing following the sinking of the Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, according to a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The tugboat, flying the United Arab Emirates flag, had seven crew members from Indonesia India and the Philippines. Four crew members survived, while three Indonesians remain unaccounted for.
Officials said the vessel caught fire after an explosion, prompting local authorities to launch an investigation into the incident. The security firm Vanguard Security reported that Musaffah 2 was struck by two missiles while attempting to assist the Safeen Prestige, which had itself been hit by a missile earlier on Wednesday.
One Indonesian survivor is receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in Khasab, while another Indonesian crew member present during the was transferred to a different vessel and is reported safe.
The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following the US Israeli war on Iran which began on February 28. s on ships in the region have increased significantly since the conflict started, raising concerns over maritime safety and international shipping in the strategic waterway.
Authorities continue to search for the missing Indonesians, and the investigation into the remains ongoing.
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