3 Indonesian crew members missing after UAE tugboat sinks in Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA – Three Indonesian crew members are missing after the United Arab Emirates-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 sank in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, Jakarta’s foreign ministry said.

There have been numerous attacks on ships navigating the strait since the US-Israeli war on Iran started on Feb 28.

The Musaffah 2 had seven crew members from Indonesia, India and the Philippines, the ministry said, adding that four survived and three others, all Indonesians, are missing.

The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed the incident but said it resulted in four fatalities and three others severely injured, the body said in a list on its website.

It was unclear why there was a discrepancy between the ministry’s and IMO’s tolls.

Before it sank, the boat experienced an explosion that caused it to catch fire, the ministry statement said, adding that an investigation is ongoing by local authorities.

Security firm Vanguard said the tugboat was struck by two missiles while attempting to provide assistance to Malta-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige.

That ship was struck by a missile on March 4, Vanguard said.

One Indonesian survivor is receiving burn treatment at a hospital in the city of Khasab, Oman. The other three Indonesians are still being searched for by the local authorities, the Indonesian ministry said.

Another Indonesian national was at the location of the incident, but on a different vessel and is safe, the statement added. AFP