Rescue workers fought rough seas yesterday to search for survivors after an overcrowded ferry sank near the Indian Ocean archipelago of Zanzibar, but hopes of finding people alive were slim.
At least 68 people were confirmed dead and 145 were rescued after the MV Skagit/ Kalama capsized at about midday on Wednesday near Chumbe island, west of Zanzibar.
The vessel had set sail from mainland Tanzania to the semi- autonomous archipelago, a popular tourist beach destination.
One US citizen was among the dead. Hundreds of people gathered at the Maisara Grounds park near Zanzibars historic Stone Town area yesterday to identify bodies laid out in a tent. – (Reuters)
