Two Dead, 28 Missing In Ferry Mishap In Gabon

The sinking of a mini ferry in Gabon departing from Libreville to reach Port-Gentil has left at least two people dead and 28 missing.

The unfortunate incident was disclosed by a port authority official who wished to remain anonymous.

Following the passenger ship's departure, "the crew reported an ingress of water between 3:00 and 4:00 am," the company Royal Cost Marine wrote in a statement on Thursday.

"The vessel lost control as a result of this intrusion.

"Passengers are being rescued, authorities have been notified, and rescue personnel are on the scene," the company stated.

Six ambulances and a fire truck were parked next to each other on the quay at the Port Mole pier, where the boat with 151 passengers on board departed.

According to an AFP journalist, the first motorized pirogues started bringing back the survivors at noon.

Alain-Claude Bilie-By-Nze, the Prime Minister, and Lambert Noel-Matha, the Interior Minister, were present at the location. 

Media reports stated that a young woman was taken to an ambulance on a stretcher while being covered by a survival blanket.

A barge belonging to the oil logistics company Peschaud that took part in the rescue saw the disembarkation of additional survivors, to cheers and applause.

First aid is administered to the survivors as they are taken directly to the ambulances, where a tent has been erected to house them.

The anxious families are barred from the area where the stretchers are arranged on the platform.

To see one of their relatives, they are attempting to climb the barriers blocking the entrance to the docks.