JAKARTA – Following the United States and Israel's attack, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has targeted any ships that still dare to pass through the strategic shipping lane. Since the outbreak of war on Saturday (February 28, 2026), traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has nearly paralyzed. 



Data from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) indicates that at least 10 vessels were targeted in attacks, resulting in seven deaths. Three Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were crew members of one of the attacked vessels remain unaccounted for. 



The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is closely monitoring the development of the Musaffah 2 ship explosion incident around the Strait of Hormuz which resulted in a number of crew members becoming victims, including Indonesian citizens. "Following up on the report received on March 6, 2026, on March 7, 2026 at 8:00 PM local time, the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has received a statement from one of the surviving Indonesian citizens, Mr. AEN, who was a passenger and engineer on the Musaffah 2 ship," as quoted from Kemlu.go.id.



The information revealed that the incident began with the container ship Safeen Prestige experiencing damage in Omani waters near the Strait of Hormuz. Safeen Provider then deployed the Musaffah 2, carrying seven crew members and six technicians, to conduct inspections and repairs. The Musaffah 2 departed Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the afternoon of March 5, 2026, and arrived at the location around 8:00 p.m. local time.



After an inspection, the Safeen Prestige was deemed beyond repair on-site due to a lack of electrical power, so it was decided to tow it. Six technicians, including Mr. AEN, then boarded the Safeen Prestige to assist with the preparations.



At approximately 2:00 a.m. on March 6, 2026, as preparations for the towing were nearing completion, the Musaffah 2 reportedly experienced an explosion, causing a fire throughout the vessel, including on the bridge. The exact cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. 



Several crew members survived the incident, including one Indonesian citizen (Mr. YRJ), while three other Indonesians (Mr. MP, Mr. SR, and Mr. AS), crew members of the Musaffah 2, remain missing. One foreign national is also reported missing.



The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is currently coordinating with various relevant parties, including the Indonesian Embassy in Muscat and local authorities, to obtain further information regarding the cause of the incident and the progress of the search for victims. The Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi is also facilitating the treatment of Indonesian citizens who survived and ensuring the fulfillment of the rights and protection of those affected by the incident.



In light of the security situation in the Middle East, the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi reiterates its call to all Indonesian citizens in the UAE, including Indonesian crew members working on ships, to remain vigilant, monitor developments through official sources, and maintain communication with the nearest Indonesian representative. Indonesian citizens are also encouraged to report themselves to ensure a swift and appropriate response from the Indonesian representative. In an emergency, Indonesian citizens can contact the Indonesian Embassy's hotline in Abu Dhabi at +971566156259. (Dwi Sasongko)