South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, extended condolences to the government and people of Mozambique, following a maritime disaster on Sunday that claimed nearly 100 lives with dozens still missing.
Mozambique authorities reported a death toll of 97, including children on Monday.
A statement from the President’s office read:
“A small number of people were rescued in the incident, which took place near Lunga in Nampula province on Sunday.
“As neighbours, we are deeply saddened by this tragedy and we wish authorities and citizens well in the recovery effort and the search for missing people. We also pray for a speedy recovery for survivors of this incident,” said he presidency.
Nampula secretary of state Jaime Neto stated that passengers on the boat were fleeing due to false information about a cholera outbreak in the country, which triggered panic among the passengers, the BBC reported.
The boat accident was initially attributed to overcrowding and structural inadequacies, however, authorities later clarified that it sank after taking on water.
Authorities are currently working to determine the exact number of missing persons.