MAPUTO Apr 08. 2024 (Saba) - Mozambican authorities said on Sunday that more than 90 people were killed in the sinking of an overcrowded fishing boat used as a ferry off the northern coast.
AFP quoted officials as saying the boat, which was carrying about 130 people, ran into problems trying to reach an island off Nampula territory.
Jaime Neto, State Minister for Nampula Province (North), said: "Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuitable for carrying passengers, it ended up sinking... 91 people lost their lives."
Among the victims were a large number of children.
Rescuers have found five survivors and are looking for more, but sea conditions have made the operation difficult.
Neto said most passengers were trying to escape the mainland because of panic caused by misinformation about the cholera outbreak.
The southern African country, one of the world's poorest, has recorded nearly 15,000 cases of the waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October, according to government data. Nampula is the worst-affected area, with a third of all cases.
The official said an investigative team was working to determine the causes of the boat disaster.
E.M
resource : Saba