Mozambique’s maritime authorities have launched an emergency search and rescue operation following the sinking of a cargo vessel in the access channel to the port of Beira, which left three Indian crew members dead and one Mozambican missing.
The incident occurred on 16 October and involved the vessel Cara, owned by Indian shipping company Unik Marine Service.
According to Mozambique’s Maritime Transport Institute (ITRANSMAR) late Monday, the ship was carrying 21 crew members –14 Indian nationals and seven Mozambicans – when it went down in waters off Sofala province.
Preliminary reports confirm that five Indian crew members and six Mozambicans were rescued alive.
The bodies of three Indian nationals were recovered while efforts continue to locate the missing Mozambican crew member.
In a public alert, ITRANSMAR called on the maritime community – including fishermen, ship-owners and vessel operators – to assist in identifying any signs of bodies or debris linked to the wreck.
“ITRANSMAR remains in constant contact with the fishing and maritime community and it will continue to coordinate efforts with partners and other local entities to ensure a quick and effective response to the demands of the operation,” the institute said.
The port of Beira is one of the key regional gateways for cargo traffic in southern Africa.
JN/APA