90 Dead After Boat Sink off Mozambique Coast

At least 90 individuals have lost their lives in the sinking of an overcrowded fishing boat used as a ferry off the northern coast of Mozambique.

Officials reported that the vessel, carrying approximately 130 passengers, encountered trouble while attempting to reach an island off the Nampula province, according to Russia Today.

State Minister for Nampula Province (North) Jaime Neto stated, "Because the boat was overcrowded and unsuitable for passenger transport, it ended up sinking... 91 people lost their lives," adding that a significant number of children were among the victims.

Rescuers have found five survivors and are searching for more, but the sea conditions are complicating the operation.

Neto explained that most passengers were attempting to flee the mainland due to panic sparked by misleading information about the spread of cholera.

The country, one of the poorest in the world, has recorded nearly 15,000 cases of waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October, according to government data.

Nampula is the hardest-hit region, with a third of all cases recorded there.

An investigative team is working to determine the causes of the boat disaster.