A makeshift, overcrowded ferry has sunk off the northern coast of Mozambique. More than 90 victims, five survivors recovered so far, but rescuers are looking for other shipwrecked people even if sea conditions make operations difficult.

The converted fishing vessel was carrying around 130 people and was trying to reach an island. Passengers were largely fleeing the mainland due to panic caused by misinformation about cholera, Secretary of State Neto said.

The southern African country, one of the world's poorest, has recorded nearly 15,000 cases of the waterborne disease and 32 deaths since October, according to government data. Nampula is the hardest hit region, accounting for a third of all cases. An investigative team is working to discover the causes of the shipwreck.

(Unioneonline/ss)

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