Over 90 killed in Mozambique boat wreck

More than 90 people died when an overcrowded makeshift ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, according to reports.

The boat was carrying 130 people, including many children, who were attempting to make the crossing to Mozambique Island from Lunga in Nampula province.

“Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers, it ended up sinking … There are 91 people who lost their lives,” said Nampula’s Secretary of State Jaime Neto.

Rescuers had found five survivors and were searching for more, but sea conditions were making the operation difficult.

“Most passengers were trying to escape the mainland because of a panic caused by disinformation about cholera,” Neto said.

“The southern African country, one of the world’s poorest, has recorded almost 15,000 cases of the waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October,” according to government data.

“An investigative team was working to find out the cause of the boat disaster,” reports said.