Tragic Mozambique Ferry Accident Claims Over 90 Lives, Including Children
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Roshan Amiri
- . April 10, 2024
- . Update: April 10, 2024 11:24 am
In a devastating incident off Mozambique’s northern coast, a makeshift ferry capsized on Sunday, resulting in the loss of more than 90 lives, including children, according to reports from local media. The overcrowded boat, carrying 130 people, encountered the tragic accident during its voyage between Lunga and the Island of Mozambique in Nampula province. Rescue operations are currently underway, with some individuals still reported as missing.
TV Diário Nampula, a local online outlet, revealed that a significant number of those who drowned were children. The ferry, which had exceeded its capacity, succumbed to the weight and adverse conditions, leading to its capsizing. The incident has deeply impacted the region and left families devastated by the loss of their loved ones.
According to TV Diário Nampula, the passengers aboard the ill-fated ferry had diverse reasons for their journey. Some individuals were en route to attend a local fair, while others were desperate to escape from Lunga to the Island of Mozambique due to growing concerns about a recent cholera outbreak. Reports suggest that the fear of contamination drove them to seek refuge on the island.
Jaime Neto, the secretary of state in Nampula province, highlighted that misinformation regarding an alleged cholera outbreak played a significant role in the tragic turn of events. The spread of false information caused panic among the passengers, leading them to board the ferry in an attempt to flee the affected area. The vessel, primarily serving as a fishing boat, was ill-equipped to handle such a large number of passengers.
Mozambique, along with neighboring countries Zimbabwe and Malawi, has been grappling with a deadly cholera outbreak in recent months. The authorities have been actively working to contain the disease and mitigate its impact on the population. The lack of proper healthcare infrastructure and limited access to medical facilities in remote areas pose significant challenges in combating the outbreak effectively.
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The incident sheds light on the transportation challenges faced by Mozambique, where many areas are accessible primarily by boats due to a poor road network. Unfortunately, these boats often operate beyond their capacity, leading to overcrowding and compromising the safety of passengers. In some regions, the absence of viable land or air transportation options further exacerbates the reliance on boats.
The tragic sinking of the makeshift ferry off Mozambique’s coast has claimed the lives of over 90 individuals, including children, leaving families and communities in mourning. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure development in the country, especially in remote areas that heavily rely on boats for transportation. Efforts to combat the cholera outbreak and address misinformation are crucial to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of Mozambique’s population.
