Three people died on Tuesday (29) and two are missing following the sinking of an artisanal boat at around 12 noon in the Tamole 1 area, in the Angoche district of Nampula province, northern Mozambique..

According to a statement from the Maritime Transport Regulatory Authority (ITRANSMAR), quoted by the Savannah newspaperAmong the three deaths were two students and a fisherman.

Thirteen people managed to survive the sinking of the boat, which was carrying 18 people, including two fishermen and 16 passengers.

"Multi-sector teams have been mobilized to the scene and are working on search and rescue operations, with the hope of locating the missing as soon as possible," the statement said.

Investigations are underway to determine the causes of the shipwreck, but preliminary information points to a sudden change in the weather, aggravated by the use of a vessel unsuitable for passenger transportation, he continues.

"We continue to advise against the use of artisanal fishing boats to transport passengers. At the same time, we reaffirm that passenger transport must be carried out by vessels authorized to do so, observing all safety measures," the note says, pointing out that safety at sea is extremely important and must always be everyone's priority and the country cannot continue to lose lives at sea.

(Photo DR)