LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-About 11 people have died following the capsized boat at Likoma Island.
The Ministry of Transport and Public Works has confirmed the death of 11 people on April 12, 2025, at Jalo in the district.
According to the Ministry, Likoma District Commissioner Abubakar Nkhoma reported that a boat, owned by a local businessperson, capsized around 2:30 a.m and the boat was carrying over 30 passengers heading to board MV Chilembwe.
Nkhoma said “When the boat capsized,the Search and Rescue teams members were deployed and the first search mission, launched right after the accident, rescued 21 survivors and recovered three bodies”.
He added, “The second team from MDF, Kayamawa Divers, and the community recovered 8 more bodies, bringing the total to 11—7 females, 4 males, including one minor found today”
Nkhoma said the overloaded fishing boat capsized after a wave caused passengers to shift to one side, making it unstable.
He said Likoma District Council and DODMA are working together to support the affected families.
The DC therefore adds, “Ministry regrets the loss of lives in the accident and is working with Malawi Shipping Company to speed up the servicing of MV Ilala, which was withdrawn for routine maintenance.”
