By Ireen Mseteka

Likoma, April 12, Mana: Eleven people have been reported dead as the boat they were sailing in to board MV Chilembwe capsized in the wee hours of Saturday at Jalo in Likoma.

Deputy Administrator for St. Peter's Hospital, Nkhonjera Banda confirmed that the dead bodies; six women, a girl and four men are being kept at the hospital's mortuary.

"I have received the reports that the 11 bodies are being kept at the hospital mortuary. They were brought in this morning and other survivors are receiving treatment at the hospital," said Banda.

Speaking on the hospital bed, a survivor, Elinase Phiri a business lady from Karonga, said the boat had a hole where water was entering into the boat and led to its capsizing.

"We realised very late that the boat had a hole. We confronted the operator to take us back to the shore but he insisted that he would be fast. We shouted but all in vain and the boat capsized.

“By the grace of God, I had to hold tight to the boat, then I was rescued," said Phiri.

Likoma Police Station Public Relations Officer, Enala Kalua confirmed the incident saying that investigations are in the process.