A boat with 12 people on board sank on Wednesday (6) off Ponta Malongane, in Maputo province, killing one person, while nine of the crew are missing.

In a statement, the National Institute of the Sea (INAMAR) said that preliminary data points to the probable cause of the accident being the entry of water into the boat called Roberto, which "was illegally engaged in line fishing".

Cited by VOAINAMAR admits, however, that before the water entered the vessel, "some of the crew realized the situation and panicked, causing the vessel to swerve to starboard, eventually sinking".

The same source says there are two survivors and promises to give more details at a press conference to be held today, Thursday.