Mumbai: Three Indians were killed and five others, including a Malayali, went missing after a launch boat capsized off the coast of Mozambique early Thursday morning (local time). Five people, including one Malayali, were rescued.

The accident occurred around 3:30 a.m. when a launch boat operated by Scorpio Marine Management Company — used to ferry crew members to an oil tanker — overturned near the coast. There were 21 people on board, including seven crew members. Fourteen of them were Indian nationals.

"A launch boat carrying crew members of a tanker, including 14 Indian nationals, capsized during crew transfer operations off Beira port in central Mozambique. Some of the Indian nationals involved in the accident have been rescued. Unfortunately, some Indian nationals have died in the accident, and some are still unaccounted for," the High Commission stated in a statement.

In a series of posts on X, the Indian High Commission expressed its condolences over the loss of lives.

"We convey our heartfelt condolences on the loss of lives, including of three Indian nationals, in a boat accident off Beira port. Mission is in contact with families of those who have lost their lives in this unfortunate accident and is extending all possible assistance to them," the mission posted.

The High Commission further confirmed that five Indian nationals were successfully rescued from the mishap and are safe. One of the survivors is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Beira.

"A Consular Officer from Mission is in Beira and visited Indian national who survived the unfortunate boat mishap and is receiving medical attention in the hospital in Beira. 5 other Indian nationals have been rescued," another post stated.

The missing have been identified as Electro-Technical Officer Sreerag Radhakrishnan, boatswain Tharakeshwara Rao, Able Seaman Saileshkumar Solanki, Able Seaman Mubeen Koruhajige Athirige, and Chief Cook Nandan Singh.

Those rescued include Second Officer Ankit Kumar, Third Officer Sreerag Thayyil Purappadi, Pumpman Sunilkumar Tandel, Oiler Azeem Mukkadam, and Able Seaman Narendra Behra. Ordinary Seamen Reuben Rayar and Mohan Singh Shekhawat were found unconscious.

The mishap happened while the launch was ferrying newly joined crew members to the MT Sea Quest, a Marshall Islands–registered vessel. The boat capsized unexpectedly near the ship despite calm and clear weather conditions, reports said.

India’s Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) in Mumbai has informed the Marshall Islands Maritime Administration about the incident and requested a detailed inquiry. DG Shipping chief Shyam Jagannathan has sought a comprehensive investigation report to be shared with Indian authorities.