Boat Sinks Near Luanda Leaving Six Dead, Several Missing
At least six people, including two children, have died in a boat accident off the coast of Luanda, the capital of Angola.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 16th when a boat carrying more than 30 people, part of a Catholic maritime procession, sank near the Island of Luanda.
According to Police reports, six people lost their lives in the tragedy, while 17 others were rescued four survivors remain in critical condition in a hospital, and three people are still missing as search efforts continue as the authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with initial suspicions pointing to negligence by the captain, who is reportedly missing.
The boat accident took place approximately two miles off the coast of Luanda, Angola’s capital. Fire emergency services spokesperson Maina Panzu reported that the victims included two children, aged four and six. As rescue teams worked to recover more survivors, authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, with initial suspicions pointing to negligence by the captain, who is reportedly missing.
Meanwhile, Local media sources have suggested that the boat may have been overcrowded, which could have contributed to the sinking as the boat was reportedly carrying more passengers than it should have and was operating in waters known for strong waves. The area where the accident occurred is frequently affected by rough sea conditions, which could have made the situation even more dangerous.
Angolan President João Lourenço expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, offering his sympathies in a statement on Sunday. While the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the captain’s potential role in the disaster and examining whether negligence contributed to the loss of life.
