A devastating incident unfolds off the north coast of Mozambique as a ferry capsizes, leaving more than 90 people dead, according to local authorities. Nampula province officials report only five survivors from the estimated 130 passengers on board, many of whom were fleeing a cholera outbreak gripping the region.
Jaime Neto, Secretary of State for Nampula, attributes the tragedy to overcrowding and the vessel's unsuitability for passenger transport. Heartbreakingly, numerous children are among the casualties, highlighting the severity of the disaster.
Disturbing footage circulating on social media purportedly reveals numerous bodies strewn across a beach, underscoring the magnitude of the catastrophe.
The ill-fated ferry was en route from Lunga to Mozambique Island, off the coast of Nampula, when tragedy struck.
Mozambique has been grappling with a cholera outbreak, exacerbated by an ongoing insurgency in neighboring Cabo Delgado province. The region's turmoil adds to the challenges faced by local communities already battling against adversity.
Despite these hardships, Mozambique Island stands as a testament to resilience, boasting a rich history as the former capital of Portuguese East Africa. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its colonial architecture and cultural significance, the island symbolizes hope amid tragedy.