Death toll rises to 96 after boat sinks off Mozambique coast

The death toll from the sinking of a makeshift ferry boat off the north coast of Mozambique has risen to 96.  The converted fishing boat, carrying about 130 people, ran into trouble late on Sunday as it was trying to reach an island off Nampula province.

The boat sunk as it was overcrowded and unsuited to carrying passengers. Most of those on board were trying to escape the mainland because of a panic caused by disinformation about cholera. Rescuers have found 11 survivors and search operations are underway.