More than 90 killed as boat sinks off Mozambique coast

NEW DELHI: An overcrowded makeshift ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 90 lives, as confirmed by local authorities. The boat, originally a fishing vessel, was carrying around 130 passengers when it encountered difficulties on its way to an island in Nampula province.

Jaime Neto, the secretary of state in Nampula, said that the boat sank due to overcrowding and being unfit for passenger transport, leading to the death of 91 individuals, including many children. Despite rescue efforts, only five survivors have been found so far, with challenging sea conditions hindering further search operations.

The incident was partly fueled by misinformation about cholera, prompting passengers to flee the mainland. Mozambique, grappling with a cholera outbreak, has seen nearly 15,000 cases and 32 deaths since October, with Nampula being the hardest-hit region.

Additionally, the province has seen an influx of people escaping jihadist attacks in neighbouring Cabo Delgado.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the tragic boat accident, with two survivors currently receiving medical treatment.

The ill-fated boat was en route to the Island of Mozambique, a historic coral islet that holds significance as the former capital of Portuguese East Africa. This island, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has a rich history dating back to the era of exploration by Vasco da Gama.

Mozambique, with a population exceeding 30 million, faces recurring challenges such as destructive cyclones and poverty, despite the discovery of valuable natural gas reserves.

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However, progress has been hampered by an insurgency by militants affiliated with the Islamic State group since 2017, resulting in over 5,000 fatalities and displacing almost a million people.