According to a report from the BBC, tragedy struck off the north coast of Mozambique on April 7th, 2024, when a ferry sank, resulting in the loss of more than 90 lives.
The ill-fated vessel was en route from Lunga to Mozambique Island, situated off the coast of Nampula. Among the estimated 130 individuals aboard, only five were fortunate enough to be rescued.
Currently, two of the survivors are undergoing medical treatment at a local facility. Distressingly, it has been revealed that a significant portion of the victims were fleeing their residences in response to a cholera outbreak.
Jaime Neto, the Secretary of State for Nampula, lamented the tragic event, attributing the sinking to overcrowding and the vessel’s unsuitability for passenger transport. He noted that many children were among those who perished.
Social media footage depicted a harrowing scene with lifeless bodies, including those of children, strewn across the beach. The ferry, originally a fishing vessel, encountered difficulties as it attempted to reach an island off the coast of Nampula province.
Mozambique’s reliance on boats for transportation is underscored by the fact that many regions can only be accessed via waterways. Unfortunately, this often results in overcrowded vessels. The country’s inadequate road infrastructure further exacerbates the situation, leaving some areas inaccessible by land or air.
Efforts to ascertain the causes of the tragic maritime disaster are underway, with an investigative team diligently working on the case.
