MP John Brittas Appeals to MEA for Rescue of Missing Indians in Mozambique

New Delhi: In the wake of a tragic maritime accident off the coast of Beira, Mozambique, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. John Brittas has written to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention and deployment of Indian naval assets to aid in the rescue of Indian nationals reported missing following a launch boat capsize in rough seas.

In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Brittas expressed deep concern over the loss of at least three Indian lives and the continued disappearance of five others, including two individuals from Kerala. The incident reportedly occurred when a launch boat ferrying crew members and workers to an offshore vessel capsized amid turbulent sea conditions earlier this week.

Brittas urged the Government of India to mobilise all possible resources on a "war footing", including the deployment of an Indian Navy vessel equipped with the necessary technological and operational expertise.

The High Commission of India in Maputo is in active communication with local authorities, holding discussions to coordinate and expedite the ongoing search and rescue operations. Mozambican officials have also reportedly sought support from the Government of India to supplement their limited rescue resources.

Brittas urged the External Affairs Minister to issue directions to the Indian mission in Mozambique to provide comprehensive consular, medical and logistical support to those rescued, as well as assistance to families of the deceased and the missing.

The Incident

According to reports emerging from Mozambique, the accident took place late last week when a small vessel carrying over a dozen crew members and labourers en route to an offshore construction site encountered severe weather conditions off the port city of Beira, located on the eastern coastline of the country.

Eyewitnesses and survivors recounted that the launch boat was tossed about in high swells before it capsized. Preliminary investigations suggest that the boat may have been overloaded and was not equipped to withstand the rough seas that had been forecasted in the region. While local rescue teams have managed to save some of the passengers, several remain unaccounted for, including the five Indian nationals.

Mozambique, which has limited maritime rescue infrastructure, has been coordinating with international partners to scale up the search efforts. Indian officials in Maputo have confirmed their engagement with local authorities and have conveyed the seriousness of the situation to New Delhi.

With time running short and weather conditions expected to worsen, pressure is mounting on the Government of India to initiate an urgent maritime rescue intervention.