Kochi: A second Keralite has been confirmed missing in the tragic boat capsize incident off the coast of Mozambique, bringing the total number of missing Malayalis to two. Six Indian nationals remain unaccounted for after a launch boat overturned near the Beira port early Thursday morning.
The missing Keralites are:
- Sreerag Radhakrishnan (35): A native of Naduvilakara in Thevalakkara near Kollam.
- Indrajith Santhosh (22): From Veliyanad in Piravom, near Kochi.
Kollam Native Identified
Sreerag Radhakrishnan was among the six Indian nationals still unaccounted for. He was an employee of Scorpio Maritime Management India Pvt. Ltd. and had been working on ships for nearly 10 years. Sreerag was headed to the tanker MT Sea Quest when the launch boat capsized in rough weather.
Having recently returned to work after a six-month vacation, Sreerag had left for Mozambique on Monday morning. “He last called home on Wednesday from the hotel where he was staying,” said Sasikumar, Sreerag’s uncle. “We were informed about the accident by the shipping company the next morning.”
Sreerag is the son of PP Radhakrishnan and Sheela, and is survived by his wife Jeethu and two children—a six-year-old daughter and a six-month-old son. His uncle noted that while the Indian Embassy and the company are providing updates, the rough sea conditions are hindering the efforts to locate the sunken boat.
Kochi Youth Missing Since Thursday
Earlier, the disappearance of 22-year-old Indrajith Santhosh was reported. Indrajith, a mechanical engineer, was working as a hull inspector with Aries Marine & Engineering Services, Kochi. He was also on board the boat, which was carrying 21 people, including 14 Indians, when it capsized around 3 am on Thursday.
Indrajith’s colleague, Akash from Konni, was rescued and is currently receiving treatment onboard a ship.
Search and Rescue Efforts
The Indian High Commission in Mozambique has confirmed the overall status of the Indian nationals involved:
- Died: 3 Indian nationals
- Rescued: 5 Indian nationals
- Missing: 6 Indian nationals
The missing are currently believed to be trapped inside the sunken vessel, the wreckage of which has been located deep underwater near Beira port.
