Over 90 Dead As Unlicensed Ferry Capsises In Mozambique

At least 94 individuals have died, with children among the victims, and 26 others are missing after a ferry boat capsised in a maritime accident off Mozambique’s northern coast.

The incident was confirmed by an official of Mozambique’s Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR), Lourenco Machado. He reported that the vessel, an overloaded fishing boat not licensed for passenger transport, was involved in the tragedy.

The ferry was transporting people from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island when it encountered a tidal wave, leading to the disaster.

“On Sunday, we registered a maritime incident where at least 94 people died when a barge carrying 130 people capsised,” Machado said on the state television. “We have recovered 94 bodies, and 26 are missing.”

It was revealed that the passengers were attempting to flee a cholera outbreak, which has been affecting the region.

Speaking to the British Broadcasting Service (BBC), the Secretary of State for Nampula province, Jaime Neto, said, “Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers, it ended up sinking.”

Neto added that a high number of children were among the deceased.

The tragedy draws attention to the cholera outbreak affecting Mozambique and other Southern African countries.

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