At least three Indian nationals were killed and five remain missing after a launch boat capsized off Mozambique’s Beira coast during a crew transfer operation.
Maputo / New Delhi — At least three Indian nationals have died and five others remain missing after a launch boat carrying 14 crew members capsized near Beira Port in central Mozambique, the Indian High Commission confirmed late Friday.
The accident occurred during what officials described as a routine crew transfer to a tanker anchored offshore. Authorities said the boat overturned under unclear circumstances, prompting an ongoing international rescue operation involving Mozambican maritime authorities, port services, and Indian diplomatic officials.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident near Beira, Mozambique, involving Indian crew members,” the Indian High Commission in Maputo said in a statement. “Three lives have been lost, five persons remain unaccounted for, and search operations continue.”
According to initial reports, six individuals were rescued and are receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of their families.
Search and Rescue Underway
Mozambique’s Maritime Authority deployed naval patrol boats, divers, and helicopters to scour the area, while rough seas and poor visibility have complicated rescue efforts.
Indian officials are coordinating closely with Mozambican port authorities and shipping company representatives to determine the cause of the capsizing and assist in recovery operations.
“We are in constant touch with local authorities to ensure every effort is made to locate the missing and provide support to the survivors,” said an official at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Global Shipping Route, Sudden Disaster
Beira Port — Mozambique’s second-largest and a key hub for Indian Ocean shipping routes — serves as a critical link for international oil, gas, and cargo transport in southeastern Africa. Crew transfers to offshore tankers are routine, though safety concerns have been raised in recent years over aging vessels and inadequate equipment.
Local media reported that the launch boat encountered sudden rough currents shortly before capsizing, though investigators have not ruled out mechanical failure or overloading.
International Response
India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed condolences to the families of those killed and assured that New Delhi is extending all consular assistance to coordinate repatriation and rescue logistics.
“Deeply distressed by the loss of Indian lives in Mozambique. Our High Commission is working with authorities to locate the missing and support the survivors,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The tragedy has drawn attention to maritime safety protocols for international crew operations in African waters, where infrastructure challenges and volatile weather continue to endanger seafarers.
A Race Against Time
As night fell along Mozambique’s coast, rescue teams continued searching the Indian Ocean waters east of Beira, with hopes diminishing but operations ongoing.
Authorities said that a full inquiry will be launched once the immediate emergency subsides.
“Every sailor lost is a global loss,” said one maritime rescue officer. “We will not stop searching until the last person is found.”
