The results of the sinking on Monday of a goods transport boat in the northeast of Madagascar rose to 85 dead, AFP learned Thursday (December 23) from the maritime authorities and the gendarmes, who found 21 additional bodies. “The death toll rises to 85, including 21 bodies recovered yesterday“(Wednesday), Gendarmerie General Zafisambatra Ravoavy told AFP. The number of passengers aboard this twelve-meter-long wooden boat has also been increased, to 138 passengers, of which only 50 have been rescued, maritime authorities said.
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The ship, which was not authorized to embark passengers, had left the small town of Antseraka towards Soanierana-Ivongo, nearly a hundred km further south. It ran aground very close to its destination. Most of the passengers were seasonal workers, who had just picked cloves and were heading home for the holiday season.
“They were planning to join their family for the holidays”
“Personal effects, identity cards and money were found by the emergency services», Explained Alban Menavolo, mayor of Soanierana Ivongo. “Most of the passengers were seasonal, from the countrysideHe continues. “These Malagasy had gone to harvest the clove, a little further north of the port of departure, and by taking the boat, they intended to join their family with the money they earned, for the end of year celebrations.“He told AFP. The distance can be covered in just over two hours by boat, against at least eight by bush taxi, according to several residents.
A mass is scheduled for Thursday for the deceased and the flags are at half mast across the country. President Andy Rajoelina announced Tuesday this national day of mourning, to mark the tragedy of this shipwreck and a helicopter crash that left two people missing on the same day.