Beira, Mozambique — October 17, 2025
A major search and rescue operation is underway off the coast of Beira after a crew transfer boat capsized alongside the oil/chemical tanker Sea Quest, leaving seven people unaccounted for.
What Happened
On Thursday, a small service vessel transporting incoming crew to the Sea Quest overturned at the outer anchorage near the Port of Beira. The Sea Quest, flagged in the Marshall Islands and managed by Scorpio Marine Management (India), was in position when the incident occurred.
According to initial reports, 21 people were aboard the transfer boat at the time. Of those, 14 have been rescued. Among the survivors, three were brought aboard the Sea Quest and are receiving medical attention.
However, seven individuals remain missing. Scorpio’s statement indicates that among those missing are five crew members who were signing on. Some reports suggest the missing also include one technician and one crew member from the service vessel.
Response and Rescue Efforts
The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) has been alerted and is coordinating the search efforts. The Sea Quest itself, along with other vessels in the vicinity, are assisting in scanning the sea for signs of the missing crew.
Scorpio Marine Management has stated that its top priority is the safety of those affected and the welfare of their families, and that it is working closely with Mozambique’s authorities in the ongoing operation. The company also affirmed that, once rescue operations conclude, a full investigation into the causes of the accident will be launched.
Challenges and Risks
Capsizing during crew transfers is among the more perilous maneuvers in offshore operations, especially in open anchorage zones where sea state, weather, vessel motion, and timing can all contribute to dangerous conditions. Maritime safety experts emphasize that rigorous procedural checks, vessel seaworthiness, transfer protocols, and real-time monitoring are essential to avoid such disasters.
At this stage, it remains unclear exactly what triggered the capsizing—whether rough seas, human error, mechanical failure, or some combination. No authoritative cause has yet been confirmed. The status of the missing persons is also uncertain, and some reports suggest that some survivors may have succumbed to injuries before or after rescue.
Verification and Ongoing Developments
This report is based on information from reputable maritime news outlets, including gCaptain and The Maritime Executive, which have cited Scorpio Marine Management’s initial statements. However, details remain provisional and are subject to confirmation by Mozambican authorities and the company’s formal investigation.
As the search continues off Beira, all eyes remain on rescue teams and maritime authorities working to determine the fate of the missing crew. Updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available.
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