Five police officers who were on a rescue mission have survived a boat accident after the boat they were sailing in on Shire River capsized in Nsanje on Tuesday afternoon.

The Rescue officers were heading to Makhanga from Nsanje Boma to rescue some residents who were stuck by floods as a result of the Tropical Cyclone Freddy which had hit hard in several parts of the country.

The boat which was pulling another boat overturned at Tengani as they were about to reach the place.

Officer In-charge for Nsanje Police Station, Dr. Josephy Mutupha has confirmed the accident and identified the officers as Peter Chiphazi, Peter Kaphagawani, Enock Sidesi, Lucia Nthala and Pennyson Masiku.

Kaphagawani, Masiku,and Nthala, were rescued by efforts of a local canoe operator while Chiphazi and Sidesi survived by clinging to the boat, according to Mutupha.