Marine Accident in Nsanje Claims One Life, Search Continues for Missing Persons

Nsanje, Malawi - A tragic marine accident at Phokera dock in Nsanje has resulted in the loss of one life, as search and rescue operations continue for the 24 missing persons, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

Meanwhile, reports circulating on social media claiming that nine bodies have been discovered in the area of Senior Chief Tengani have been dismissed by a Member of Parliament for Nsanje Central, Kafandikhale Mandevana.

The incident occurred on Monday morning when a dugout canoe, carrying 37 passengers who were en route to Mozambique for farming activities, capsized in the Shire River.

The accident was caused by a collision with a hippopotamus.

Miraculously, 13 individuals managed to swim to safety, but tragically, a one-year-old child lost their life.

Mandevana addressed the false reports, clarifying that the search and rescue mission is ongoing, starting with Senior Chief Tengani and advancing towards Bangula.

He explained that misconceptions arose when a World Food Programme (WFP) boat was seen near the dock, leading people to believe it was being used to collect the bodies.

However, Mandevana reiterated that the boat's presence was unrelated to the recovery efforts.

The search and rescue operations, which resumed on Tuesday morning, aim to locate and rescue the missing individuals involved in the accident.

Mandevana urged the public to rely on accurate updates from official sources and refrain from spreading unverified information on social media.

As the community of Nsanje mourns the loss of a young life, the focus remains on the ongoing search and efforts to bring closure to the families of the missing individuals.

The marine accident serves as a sombre reminder of the inherent risks associated with water transportation and the need for enhanced safety measures in such areas.