Mwanza: At least two people were confirmed dead and 50 others rescued after a passenger and cargo boat caught fire on Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania, authorities said. Authorities reported that the incident took place in the Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region, as the vessel was traveling from Gozba Island in Kagera Region to Mwanza.

According to Anadolu Agency, Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force Mwanza Region Commander Elisa Mugisha stated that rescue teams are still verifying the number of passengers on board. Initially reported as 52, there are at least two people unaccounted for. "The deceased were a boy aged about 10 and a 60-year-old man. The survivors escaped without physical injuries but were in shock and have been taken to health facilities in Bwiro and Lyamwenge for treatment," Mugisha said.

He further noted that the number of passengers could be higher as the fire completely destroyed the vessel, and strong winds hampered rescue operations. "Search efforts were ongoing and investigations will be launched to determine the cause of the fire once rescue operations are complete," he added.