Some 20 people are believed to have drowned in Lake Malawi after a boat they were travelling in from the lakeshore district of Nkhata Bay to the island district of Likoma reportedly capsized on Tuesday afternoon, APA learnt here Wednesday.
According to police spokesperson Nora Chimwala, the incident happened due to overloading as it was carrying 28 people, apart from bags of flour, firewood and other goods belonging to the passengers — instead of its capacity of ten passengers without cargo.
“We have arrested the captain of the boat and he will appear before a court of law very soon on several charges, including overloading, negligence, unlawful killing and wounding,” she said.
She said eight people managed to swim to ashore and they are receiving treatment at Nkhata Bay District Hospital, while others are still missing.
Currently, she said, police and marine officials are still looking for the missing 20 bodies.
Wednesday 17 September 2008
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