In the province of Nampula, Mozambique, a fishing boat sunk while being used as a ferry, leading to the deaths of over 90 people. The boat was carrying approximately 130 passengers when it encountered problems and ultimately sank, resulting in the tragic loss of lives. The survivors found so far are five individuals, but the search efforts are ongoing despite being hindered by challenging sea conditions.
The tragedy occurred due to overcrowding and the unsuitability of the vessel for transporting passengers. Most of the passengers were traveling to the island due to panic caused by misinformation about a cholera outbreak that has been prevalent in Mozambique since October. Nearly 15,000 cases and 32 deaths have been recorded in this timeframe, with Nampula being one of the most affected areas.
Authorities are currently investigating the causes of the shipwreck, and safety measures and emergency response capabilities need to be improved urgently in light of this tragedy. This incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous life can be for individuals living in one of the poorest countries in the world. Misinformation and inadequate transportation infrastructure have had devastating consequences on this occasion.
