Over 90 dead in Mozambique ferry tragedy

Authorities in Mozambique have confirmed that more than 90 people were killed after a passenger ferry capsized and sank off Nampula province in the country’s northern coast on Sunday, April 7.

The unidentified vessel was transporting over 130 people, many of whom were reportedly attempting to flee the mainland after they received unconfirmed news of a cholera outbreak earlier in the day on Sunday.

Officials said the ferry suffered water ingress, which then caused it to capsize. Only twelve of the vessel’s occupants have so far been rescued while at least 90 were pronounced dead at the scene and several others are still missing.

The deceased also included many small children.

A local maritime official said the ferry was a converted fishing boat and was not authorised to transport such a large number of people.

Rescuers are continuing to search through the surrounding waters for any trace of the missing passengers and crew.