Ninety dead in Mozambique ferry disaster
Tragedy Strikes as Ferry Sinks off Mozambique Coast, Claiming Over 90 Lives
A devastating maritime disaster has struck off the north coast of Mozambique, claiming the lives of more than 90 people, according to local authorities.
Reports indicate that the ferry, carrying an estimated 130 passengers, sank in Nampula province, with only five individuals rescued from the wreckage.
The ill-fated journey was a desperate attempt by passengers to flee a cholera outbreak ravaging the region, revealed Nampula Secretary of State Jaime Neto. Tragically, many of the deceased were children, further compounding the heart-wrenching toll of the disaster.
“Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuited to carry passengers, it ended up sinking,” Mr. Neto lamented, shedding light on the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
An unverified video circulating on social media purportedly depicts the aftermath of the catastrophe, showing numerous bodies strewn across a beach. The ferry was reportedly en route from Lunga to Mozambique Island, situated off the coast of Nampula, a predominantly Muslim area where some victims have already been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic customs.
The region’s woes have been compounded by a cholera outbreak, adding to the anguish and suffering of its inhabitants. Mozambique, particularly Nampula province, has been grappling with the deadly disease, which has claimed thousands of lives and infected tens of thousands since its onset.
Meanwhile, the ongoing Islamist insurgency in nearby Cabo Delgado province has further destabilized the region, contributing to widespread displacement and loss of life.
Shock and sorrow reverberate throughout Mozambique in the wake of this tragedy, with ordinary citizens expressing disbelief and anguish over the staggering loss of life. Boat accidents, while not uncommon in the region, rarely result in such catastrophic casualties, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and oversight in maritime transportation.
Local journalists and reporters have decried the lack of government action to regulate and monitor sea traffic, emphasizing the authorities’ responsibility in preventing such calamities.
Despite recent calls for improved safety standards, this latest disaster serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by maritime travelers in Mozambique. As the nation mourns the lives lost, attention turns to addressing systemic issues and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Amidst the grief and devastation, Mozambique Island stands as a poignant symbol of resilience, bearing witness to centuries of history and heritage, even as it grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing event.
Graduate Unemployed Nurses and Midwives Demand Action from Government