Jakarta, March 8: A tugboat named Musaffa 2 sank in the Hormuz Strait on Friday, leading to reports of three missing Indonesian crew members. The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the incident in an official statement.
According to the ministry, the tugboat, registered under the flag of the United Arab Emirates, sank after an explosion occurred on board, which subsequently ignited a fire. One Indonesian survivor is currently receiving treatment for burns at a hospital in Khasab, Oman. Local authorities are still searching for the other three missing crew members.
The statement noted that the tugboat was dispatched to assist a vessel that had come under attack in the vicinity of the Hormuz Strait. There are concerns that several crew members may have been killed in missile strikes during the incident.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported receiving information from a third party about the attack on the tugboat, located six nautical miles north of Oman. An investigation into the incident is underway.
Security consultants have identified the tugboat as Musaffa 2, built in 2012, weighing 134 gross tons, and measuring 26 meters (85 feet) in length. It is believed that the tug was en route to assist the UAE-controlled container ship Safin Prestige, which had been attacked earlier in the week, resulting in a fire in its engine room.
This incident comes amid ongoing military tensions involving the United States and Israel, as well as escalating conflicts in the Middle East. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) announced on Monday that they would completely close the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel attempting to pass through would be destroyed.
The Hormuz Strait is one of the world’s critical energy corridors, accounting for nearly one-fifth of global oil consumption. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, serving as a vital route for oil and gas exports from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE to international markets. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have alternative pipeline routes, the U.S. Energy Information Administration states that most energy reserves passing through Hormuz have no other exit options.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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