More than 90 individuals died when an overcrowded makeshift ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, native authorities mentioned on Sunday.

The transformed fishing boat, carrying about 130 individuals, bumped into hassle because it tried to achieve an island off Nampula province, officers mentioned.

“Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers it ended up sinking … There are 91 people who lost their lives,” mentioned Nampula’s secretary of state Jaime Neto.

Many youngsters have been among the many victims, he added

Rescuers had discovered 5 survivors and have been trying to find extra, however sea circumstances have been making the operation troublesome.

Most passengers have been making an attempt to flee the mainland due to a panic brought on by disinformation about cholera, Neto mentioned.

The southern African nation, one of many world’s poorest, has recorded virtually 15,000 instances of the waterborne illness and 32 deaths since October, in response to authorities knowledge.

Nampula is the worst affected area, accounting for a 3rd of all instances.

An investigative staff had was working to search out out the causes of the boat catastrophe, the official mentioned.