Mozambique ferry sinks, more than 90 people fleeing cholera epidemic die

The BBC quoted domestic authorities as saying that a ferry sank off the north coast of Mozambique, killing more than 90 people. Nearly 130 people were believed to be on board, five of whom were rescued.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on Sunday quoted Jaime Neto, secretary of state of the nearby Nampula province, as saying they were fleeing a cholera epidemic.

“Because the boat was overcrowded and not suitable for carrying passengers, it eventually sank,” he said, adding that many children were among the dead.

Videos posted on social media X showed many bodies lying on the beach, and some people were carrying the bodies of children. Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.

According to the Guardian, citing AFP, Neto said investigators were working to find out the cause of the sinking.

Two of the five survivors are receiving treatment, the report said.

Government officials did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.

The BBC added that the ship was traveling from Lunga in the province to islands off the coast of Nampula, Mozambique.