Mozambique makeshift ferry disaster kills 98

MAPUTO: Rescuers searched off the northern coast of Mozambique on Monday after an overloaded makeshift ferry boat capsized, killing at least 98 people.

The converted fishing boat, with about 130 people on board, ran into trouble late on Sunday as it headed for an island off Nampula province, officials said.

The latest death toll of 98 was released Monday evening.

Most of those on board were trying to escape the mainland after misinformation about cholera caused a panic, according to Nampula’s secretary of state Jaime Neto.

Many children were among the victims, he added.

Authorities said Sunday the boat was believed to have sunk as it was overcrowded and unsuited to carrying passengers.

It was later clarified that the vessel capsized after taking on water.

“Water filled the boat... and the tragedy happened,” Menque Amade, a crew member who survived, told national broadcaster TVM.

Silverio Nauaito, the Island of Mozambique administrator, told AFP that at least six bodies were pulled from the waters on Monday.

Rescuers have found 12 survivors and search operations were continuing, the official said.

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

Nampula is the worst affected region, accounting for a third of all cases.

Locals told AFP that health authorities recently stepped up outreach and prevention efforts.

But the increased medical presence caused a scare among some residents, pushing a number of them to flee, they said.

In recent months, the province has also received a large influx of people fleeing a wave of jihadist attacks in its northern neighbour of Cabo Delgado.