Over 90 dead as ferry sinks off Mozambique coast

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Staff Reporter

2 years ago

More than 90 people died when an overcrowded makeshift ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, local authorities said on Sunday.

About 130 passengers were on the converted fishing boat when it encountered difficulties trying to get to an island off the coast of Nampula province, according to officials.

“The boat sank because it was too packed and not designed to hold passengers. 91 individuals lost their lives, according to Jaime Neto, the secretary of state for Nampula.

He said that a large number of the victims were youngsters.

The mission was challenging because of the sea conditions, but rescuers had located five survivors and are still looking for others. According to Neto, the majority of travelers were attempting to flee the mainland due to fear sparked by false information on cholera.

Nampula has the highest number of cases—one third—of any impacted region. The province has also seen a significant influx of migrants in recent months as they have fled a series of Islamist strikes in Cabo Delgado, its northern neighbor.

An inquiry team is attempting to determine what caused the boat accident, Neto said. Two of the five survivors are in the hospital getting treatment, official statement.

Staff Reporter