Tragedy Strikes Off the Coast of Mozambique: Ferry Capsize Leaves Dozens Dead and Missing
A horrific accident off the northern coast of Mozambique has claimed the lives of at least 94 people, including children, with 26 others still missing. The disaster unfolded on Sunday when a severely overcrowded fishing boat, not licensed to carry passengers, capsized while transporting people from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island.
Lourenco Machado, an administrator with the Mozambique Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR), confirmed the tragedy on state television. He stated that initial reports suggested the vessel was struck by a tidal wave, leading to its capsizing.
Adding another layer of tragedy to the event, state broadcaster TVM reported that the passengers were fleeing a cholera outbreak in the mainland. This claim was further corroborated by Jaime Neto, secretary of state for Nampula province, who spoke to the BBC. Neto emphasized that overcrowding and the unsuitability of the boat for passenger transport were key factors in the devastating outcome, with many children, unfortunately, perishing in the incident.
Disturbing videos circulating on social media depict bodies lying on a beach, with some individuals carrying what appear to be the lifeless bodies of children. The authenticity of these videos has yet to be confirmed by Reuters.
This heartbreaking accident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Mozambique and other countries in southern Africa. The region has been grappling with a series of cholera outbreaks since last year, adding another layer of desperation to the situation.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Death Toll: At least 94 people were confirmed dead, including children.
- Missing: 26 people remain unaccounted for.
- Cause: Overloaded fishing boat, not licensed for passengers, capsized. Possible cause: tidal wave.
- Origin and Destination: Lunga, Nampula province to Mozambique Island.
- Reason for Travel: Passengers were reportedly fleeing a cholera outbreak.
- Impact: Many children among the deceased.
This tragedy highlights the need for stricter regulations on passenger transport and improved communication during outbreaks to prevent misinformation and panic. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and those affected by this devastating event.
According to Machado, the catastrophic event occurred on Sunday when a barge carrying 130 individuals overturned. Of those aboard, 94 bodies have been recovered while 26 individuals remain unaccounted for. The ferry was reportedly transporting passengers from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island. Initial reports suggest that the boat was struck by a tidal wave, leading to its capsizing.
The passengers were fleeing from a cholera outbreak, as per reports from state broadcaster TVM and Jaime Neto, the secretary of state for Nampula province. Neto stated that due to overcrowding and the unsuitability of the vessel for passenger transportation, it tragically sank. He noted that many of the deceased were children.
Footage circulated on social media depicted numerous bodies strewn across a beach, with individuals seen carrying the lifeless forms of children. However, Reuters could not promptly authenticate these videos.
Lourenco Machado, an administrator of INSTRASMAR, revealed on state television that the boat, carrying 130 individuals, met its tragic fate while transporting people from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island. He stated that initial reports suggested the boat was hit by a tidal wave, leading to its capsizing.
The passengers aboard the ill-fated vessel were reportedly fleeing a cholera outbreak, as indicated by state broadcaster TVM, citing another local maritime administrator. Jaime Neto, the secretary of state for Nampula province, reiterated this, stating that many passengers were escaping from cholera-stricken areas. He emphasized that the boat, being overcrowded and ill-suited for passenger transport, tragically sank, resulting in the loss of many lives, including numerous children.
