By Jamal Jamal
LILONGWE, Malawi (AA) – At least 11 people were confirmed dead while nine others are still missing after a boat they were traveling in capsized in the Southern African nation of Malawi, police said Saturday.
Maurice Chapola, northern police spokesperson, told Anadolu that a boat carrying 30 passengers on their way to board a ship on Likoma Island on Lake Malawi capsized under unclear circumstances.
According to the spokesperson, eight survivors are being treated in hospital for various injuries they sustained in the accident.
Eleven bodies have been found, and efforts are ongoing to find the nine still missing, Chapola said.
Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi’s president, called for an investigation into what led to the “tragic” capsizing.
“We keep in our prayers the souls of the eleven who are confirmed dead and wish a quick healing for the eight who have sustained injuries,” Chakwera said in a statement.
Boat accidents have been on the rise lately in the country, with causes ranging from overloading to weather, according to police.