In a devastating maritime incident off the northern coast of Mozambique, at least 94 individuals, including children, lost their lives when an overloaded fishing boat capsized, according to officials. The vessel, which was not authorized to transport people, was ferrying passengers from Lunga in Nampula province to the Island of Mozambique.

Lourenco Machado, an administrator of the country's Maritime Transport Institute (INTRASMAR), revealed on state television that the boat, carrying a total of 130 people, encountered a tragic fate. So far, 94 bodies have been recovered, while 26 individuals remain missing.

Reports indicate that the boat was struck by a tidal wave, causing it to sink. Most of the passengers on board were fleeing the mainland due to a panic caused by misinformation regarding a cholera outbreak, stated Nampula's Secretary of State, Jaime Neto.

The passengers sought refuge from the waterborne disease, which has plagued the country. Mozambique, known as one of the world's poorest nations, has recorded nearly 15,000 cases of cholera and 32 deaths since October, according to government data.

Neto further emphasized that the boat's overcrowding and unsuitability for passenger transportation led to its tragic demise. The incident claimed the lives of numerous children, further deepening the sorrow surrounding this disaster.

Heart-wrenching videos surfaced on social media, showing lifeless bodies scattered along the beach, while individuals could be seen carrying the bodies of children. However, the authenticity of these videos has yet to be verified by Reuters news agency.

As the nation mourns this tragic incident, efforts are underway to locate the missing individuals and provide support to the affected families. The Mozambican government, in coordination with local authorities, is conducting investigations to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the overloaded boat.

This calamity serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for proper safety regulations and enforcement in maritime transportation to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.