The Musaffah 2 tugboat sank in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, leaving three Indonesian crew members missing, according to Indonesia’s foreign ministry.
The UAE-flagged tugboat had seven crew members from Indonesia, India and the Philippines, the ministry said. Four people survived, while three others, all Indonesians, remain unaccounted for.
The incident comes amid repeated attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28.
Musaffah 2 Tugboat Sank Strait of Hormuz After Explosion, Fire
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said the vessel experienced an explosion before it caught fire and sank. Local authorities are investigating what happened, the statement added.
A separate account from security firm Vanguard said the tugboat was struck by two missiles while attempting to assist the Malta-flagged container ship Safeen Prestige. Vanguard said Safeen Prestige was hit by a missile on Wednesday.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said one Indonesian survivor is being treated for burns at a hospital in Khasab, Oman.
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The ministry added that local authorities are continuing the search for the three missing Indonesians. It also said another Indonesian national was at the incident location but is now on a different vessel and is currently safe.
