Authorities in Nampula province confirmed that more than 90 individuals have died following the sinking of a ferry off Mozambique’s north coast.
Among the approximately 130 passengers onboard, only five were rescued, highlighting the severity of the incident.
According to Jaime Neto, Nampula’s Secretary of State, the passengers were fleeing a cholera outbreak, with a significant number of children among the casualties.
“The boat’s overcrowding and unsuitability for passenger transport led to its tragic sinking,” stated Mr.
Neto regarding the disaster. Unverified footage circulated on social media depicted numerous bodies strewn across a beach, underscoring the grim aftermath of the incident.
The ill-fated ferry was en route from Lunga to Mozambique Island, as reported by Portuguese broadcaster RTP.
Nampula province, already grappling with a cholera outbreak since last year, has been severely affected by the recent tragedy.
Unicef reports that this outbreak is the most severe in a quarter-century, with Mozambique alone documenting thousands of cases and dozens of deaths.
The context of ongoing challenges, including the insurgency in Cabo Delgado province claiming thousands of lives and displacing numerous others, adds to the country’s woes.
Mozambique Island, historically significant as the former capital of Portuguese East Africa, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture and role as a pivotal trading hub.
Source-BBC
