On 7 April 2024, a fishing boat converted for use as a ferry with about 130 people onboard sank off the north coast of Mozambique between the Mozambique Channel and Mossuril Bay.^[1] Over 100 people died.^[2]

Background

The disaster occurred despite recent pressure on ferry operators to improve safety.^[3] There is little oversight for the thousands of ferries operating in Mozambique and less deadly incidents are not uncommon.^[3]

Disaster

The Mozambican vessel Zico,^[4] a fishing boat converted for use as a ferry, was traveling from Lunga in Mossuril District, Nampula Province to the Island of Mozambique on 7 April 2024. Most of the 130 passengers were trying to escape the mainland because of a cholera outbreak in southern Africa, with Nampula being one of the worst-affected provinces. Others were travelling to attend a fair on the island.^[5] Surviving crewmember Menque Amade said that he requested that the crew chief increase the boat's speed once he saw that the boat was adrift. The vessel sank off the north coast of Mozambique between the Mozambique Channel and Mossuril Bay and was later dragged to shore.^[4]

Over 100 people were killed, including many children. There were 12 survivors, according to provincial officials^[3] and around 20 people are still missing.^[6][7]

Aftermath

Bodies washed up on the beach, and some were quickly buried in line with Islamic rites.^[3]

Authorities initially blamed the sinking on overcrowding, but later said the boat sunk after taking on water.^[3] Early reports also suggested that the boat had been struck by a tidal wave. Nampula province's Secretary of State Jaime Neto said that misinformation about cholera caused people to panic and board the boat. A Maritime Transport Institute official indicated that the boat was not licensed to transport passengers. President Filipe Nyusi ordered an investigation headed by the Mozambican transport minister.^[2] A state of national mourning was held from 10 to 12 April.^[8]