A crew transfer vessel carrying 21 people capsized off the coast of Beira, Mozambique, on Thursday while en route to the Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Sea Quest, resulting in several injuries and seven individuals reported missing.

According to initial information, the small service vessel was conducting a personnel transfer when it overturned near the tanker’s anchorage. Those on board included incoming Sea Quest crew members, technical personnel, and the vessel’s operating crew.

Rescue operations led to the recovery of 14 individuals, three of whom sustained injuries and received treatment aboard the Sea Quest. The remaining seven people comprising five joining crew members, one technician, and one transfer vessel crew remain missing.

Local authorities, in coordination with nearby vessels, initiated immediate search and rescue efforts. Maritime officials have not yet determined the cause of the incident, and investigations are underway to assess factors such as weather conditions, vessel stability, and operational procedures during the transfer.

The Sea Quest is managed by Scorpio Marine Management, built in 2012 and acquired by its current owners in 2024. The tanker had reportedly arrived from the United Arab Emirates and was anchored off Beira for a scheduled crew change.

Scorpio Marine Management confirmed its cooperation with local authorities and stated that assistance is being provided to those affected.

As of Friday morning, search and rescue operations remain in progress as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing individuals.