Tragedy struck off the northern coast of Mozambique as a ferry boat capsized, resulting in the loss of at least 94 lives, including children, with 26 individuals still missing. The vessel, identified as an overloaded fishing boat, was not authorized to transport passengers, as confirmed by Lourenco Machado, an administrator of the country's Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR).
The incident occurred during the transportation of 130 individuals from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island. Reports suggest that the boat was struck by a tidal wave, leading to its capsizing. Distressingly, the passengers were reportedly fleeing a cholera outbreak, seeking safety from the epidemic.
Jaime Neto, the secretary of state for Nampula province, echoed the sentiment that the passengers were escaping the cholera crisis. The overcrowded and ill-equipped boat proved incapable of safely carrying the passengers, ultimately resulting in the tragic sinking that claimed numerous lives, including many children.
Social media footage depicted a grim scene with numerous bodies strewn across a beach, and individuals solemnly carrying the lifeless forms of children. While these videos circulated online, their authenticity could not be immediately verified by Reuters.
Cholera outbreaks have plagued Mozambique and several other nations in southern Africa since the previous year, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities already grappling with the impact of the disease.
