More than 50 people in Rumphi are feared dead after a boat they were travelling in capsized on Lake Malawi Sunday.
The people were on their way back to Tchalo from Mlowe in the same district where they had gone for Easter prayers, police have confirmed.
Details regarding the actual number of the dead remained sketchy as we went to press, but Rumphi Police Stat ion Officer, Charles James Mpezeni, confirmed that as many as 50 people are missing after their boat capsized between 4pm and 5pm on Sunday.
“We don’t have the actual figures of the dead, but all we can confirm is that more than 50 people are feared dead on Lake Malawi.
“They managed to travel to Mlowe but on their way back they were met with heavy winds on the lake that lead to the capsizing of their engine boat,” Mpezeni said.
He said five bodies had been recovered while eight people were being treated at Mlowe Health Centre.
Rescue operations, Mpezeni said, were conducted by people from around the area using canoes.
The station officer said it took time for messages to reach police since the place is far and mobility is a challenge.
“Updates are still coming in. Our officers are on the ground coordinating the rescue operation so that more lives can be saved,” Mpezeni said.
In May last year, 12 people died after a Tanzanian boat they were travelling in, MV Mapenza, developed a fault and capsized on the lake.
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