Africa-Press – Mozambique. Two people are reported missing following a shipwreck that took place on Thursday off the coast of Metuge district, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.
According to sources, cited in Monday’s issue of the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique”, the tragedy was caused by bad weather and overloading, involving two sailing vessels, identified as the “Wema Auvunda” and the “Andorinha”. Both boats were sailing towards Quissanga district, where they intended to transport food to support the displaced population, victims of Islamist terrorism.
“The boats left Paquitequete at dawn and unfortunately they didn’t reach their destination. Some people lost their lives and others were saved”, said a fisherman named Saíde Assengo. However, the total number of those who lost their lives is so far unknown.
One of the missing is an employee of a non-governmental organization subcontracted by the World Food Programme (WFP), as part of food support for families displaced by the terrorist attacks.
According to an official, the shipwreck occurred in the Namavi area, around 17 nautical miles from the starting point.
“The bad weather was the main cause of the incident”, he said. “The two vessels were carrying approximately 10 tonnes of various products belonging to the World Food Programme. The weather conditions at the time of departure were considered favourable, but bad weather surprised the boats on the high seas”, he said.
During the incident, five people were rescued alive and taken in by members of the Namavi community.
A multi-sector team made up of members of the Coastal, Lake and River Police (ITRANSMAR), and the Pemba and Ibo Maritime Authority, with support from local communities, is continuing with the search operations, but the prevalence of bad weather is a major challenge.
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