An overcrowded handmade boat sank off Mozambique’s north coast, killing over 90 people, local authorities reported on Sunday.
“The converted fishing boat, carrying approximately 130 people, encountered difficulties while attempting to reach an island off Nampula province”, the officials noted.
Jaime Neto, Nampula’s secretary of state, stated, “Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers it ended up sinking … There are 91 people who lost their lives”.
“Many children were among the victims”, Neto continued.
Rescuers had discovered five survivors and were looking for more, but sea conditions made the operation difficult.
According to Neto, the majority of passengers were attempting to flee the mainland due to panic triggered by cholera-related misinformation.
As per the government figures, the southern African country, which is among the poorest in the world, has recorded nearly 15,000 instances of waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October.
Nampula is the most severely afflicted region, accounting for a third of all cases.
“An investigative team was working to determine the causes of the boat disaster”, the official added.
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