By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Mozambique ferry tragedy leaves over 100 dead.
In a devastating incident off the northern coast of Mozambique, President Filipe Nyusi confirmed on Monday that over 100 people lost their lives after a ferry boat sank. Nearly 20 individuals remain missing, adding to the toll of the tragedy.
According to an official from the country’s Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR), the vessel, which was carrying 130 passengers, was operating as an overloaded fishing boat and lacked proper licensing for passenger transport.
The ferry was en route from Lunga in Nampula province to Mozambique Island when it encountered trouble, possibly struck by a tidal wave, as reported by Lourenco Machado, an administrator of INTRASMAR.
Tragically, the passengers were fleeing a cholera outbreak, compounding the already dire situation. While some have been rescued, the search continues for those still unaccounted for.
President Nyusi expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and has ordered an investigation led by the nation’s transport minister to ascertain the causes and mitigate future risks.
Videos obtained by Reuters depict a heartbreaking scene, with numerous bodies strewn across a beach and distraught individuals mourning the loss, including children.
Mozambique, along with neighboring countries in Southern Africa, has been grappling with cholera outbreaks since last year. Government data reveals a significant number of cases and fatalities, underscoring the urgency of addressing public health challenges in the region.
As Mozambique mourns the lives lost in this maritime disaster, efforts are underway to provide support to the affected families and prevent such tragedies from recurring.
Mozambique, Ferry Tragedy