A ferry disaster off the north coast of Mozambique has resulted in the deaths of over 90 people, according to a report by the BBC citing local authorities. Only five survivors were rescued from the nearly 130 people believed to have been on board.
The BBC further reported that the passengers were fleeing a cholera outbreak, with the information coming from Jaime Neto, secretary of state for Nampula province, near the site of the incident.
Neto attributed the sinking to overcrowding and the vessel’s unsuitability for carrying passengers. He tragically confirmed that many children were among the deceased.
While social media videos emerged showing bodies on a beach and people carrying children, Reuters could not independently verify their authenticity.
According to The Guardian, citing AFP, Neto stated that investigators are working to determine the cause of the disaster. Two of the survivors are reportedly receiving medical treatment.
Government officials have yet to respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The BBC added that the ill-fated ferry was traveling from Lunga to Mozambique Island, located off the coast of Nampula.
