By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 12, Mana: Nine bodies out of the 11 people who died this Saturday morning in Likoma after the boat they were sailing in capsized have been repatriated to Mzuzu Central Hospital.

Acting Senior Chief Mkumpha said the bodies will be kept at Mzuzu Central Hospital before being dispatched to their respective districts.

"Government through Dodma will buy coffins for all the deceased and the rest will be buried tomorrow where the minister of transport, Jacob Hara and our member of parliament will be in attendance," said Senior Chief Mkumpha.

He said among the nine deceased, two hailed from Nkhotakota, one from Mzuzu, one from Karonga, two from Chitipa, two from Mzimba and one from Blantyre.

Deputy Council Chair, Ernest Gulu said he was saddened by the tragedy which he described was the first of its kind in the district.

"My heart is bleeding with this sad development, some of these deaths are avoidable, we are asking government to hasten the jetty so that people should avoid sailing boats to board the ship," said gulu.