At least 11 people have died and nine remain missing after a boat capsized on Lake Malawi, officials confirmed Saturday.
The vessel, carrying 30 passengers en route to board a ship near Likoma Island, overturned under unclear circumstances, police reported.
Eight survivors were rescued and are receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident, according to authorities.
Northern region police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said rescue teams are still searching for the missing individuals.
President Lazarus Chakwera expressed deep sorrow and pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the disaster.
“We keep in our prayers the souls of the eleven who are confirmed dead and wish a quick healing for the eight injured,” he stated.
Chakwera labeled the incident a “tragedy” and stressed the urgency of understanding how such a catastrophe occurred.
Lake Malawi, a lifeline for travel and trade, has witnessed a growing number of accidents attributed to overloading and weather conditions.
This latest incident adds to the mounting concerns over maritime safety in the Southern African nation.
Authorities have urged communities to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines when traveling by boat.