JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry has called for a thorough investigation after a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 caught fire and sank in the Strait of Hormuz, with three Indonesian crew members still missing.
Its spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said Indonesian representatives in the UAE and Oman are coordinating closely with local authorities and the shipping company involved as investigations into the incident continue.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is encouraging a comprehensive investigation into this incident,” she said in a video statement, published on social media, Sunday night.
According to eyewitness accounts cited by the ministry in earlier report, the tugboat experienced an explosion that caused it to catch fire before sinking in waters between the UAE and Oman.
The ministry said the tugboat had seven crew members, including Indian and Filipino nationals.
Four of them, including one Indonesian national survived the incident.
Yvonne said Indonesian missions in the UAE and Oman are also continuing efforts to locate the three missing Indonesian crew members while ensuring medical treatment for another crew member who sustained burn injuries at a hospital in Khasab, Oman.
She noted another Indonesian national who was at the scene but on a different vessel was reported safe and is currently in Abu Dhabi.
"Indonesian representatives are also maintaining communication with the families of those involved and providing updates on developments in the case,” she said.
She urged Indonesian nationals in the Middle East, including those working as crew members on ships, to remain vigilant, monitor developments through official sources of information and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian diplomatic missions.
She further advised them to register their presence with Indonesian representatives to ensure a swift and appropriate response in case of emergencies. - Bernama
