91 killed as boat sinks off Mozambique coast
Africa
By
VOA
| Apr 08, 2024
More than 90 people died when an overcrowded makeshift ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, local authorities said Sunday.
The converted fishing boat, carrying about 130 people, ran into trouble as it tried to reach an island off Nampula province, officials said.
"Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers it ended up sinking ... There are 91 people who lost their lives," said Nampula's secretary of state Jaime Neto.
Many children were among the victims, he added.
Rescuers had found five survivors and were searching for more, but sea conditions were making the operation difficult.
READ MORE
Why is Finance Bill 2024 so contentious?
Key highlights of Finance Bill 2024
CA seeks to foster innovation through regulatory sandbox
Kebs targets grain millers as aflatoxin compliance levels decline
Ruto visit: Inside fresh US plans to undercut Chinese influence in Kenya
Lobby presses for higher budgetary allocation to agriculture
High prices slash petroleum import bill
850,000 new jobs created last year signal economy is on the mend
Trade deficit narrows as export earnings hit Sh1tr
Tourism sector rides on aviation recovery path to bounce back
Most passengers were trying to escape the mainland because of a panic caused by disinformation about cholera, Neto said.
The southern African country, one of the world's poorest, has recorded almost 15,000 cases of the waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October, according to government data.
Nampula is the worst affected region, accounting for a third of all cases.
An investigative team was working to find out the cause of the boat disaster, the official said.
- High prices slash petroleum import bill
- 850,000 new jobs created last year signal economy is on the mend