GMM Safety | 2024-04-12 | Case Accidents |
In a tragic incident, over 100 people lost their lives, including children, with around 20 others still missing when a ferry boat sank off the Northern Coast of Mozambique.
The President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, reported the incident on April 8, 2024.
According to a Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR) official, the boat was overloaded with 130 passengers without a license.
On April 8, 2024, the ferry boat was ferrying people from Nampula’s Lunga to the Mozambique Island. Initial reports indicate that a tidal wave hit the vessel.
The passengers were reportedly escaping a cholera outbreak, according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary of State for Nampula province, with ten individuals rescued and 20 others still missing.
President Nyusi added that he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and demanded that the South African Transport Minister visit the site for a thorough investigation.
The Mozambican Government is scheduled to meet to examine the situation and take appropriate measures to reduce the impact of the tragic incident.
Visuals from the site of the incident showcased dead bodies lying over the beach, with some people carrying the bodies of their children.
Since last year, Mozambique, along with other South African Countries, have been battling cholera outbreaks.
According to Mozambican government data, the country has reported 15,051 cholera cases since October, with 32 deaths. Nampula province has recorded 5,084 cases of cholera involving 12 deaths as of April 8, 2024.
Most regions in Mozambique are only accessible via boats, which are usually overcrowded. The country needs a better road infrastructure, where specific locations are inaccessible by land or air.
Reference: Reuters
