DAR ES SALAAM, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Two people have been confirmed dead, at least two others were unaccounted for, and 50 people were rescued after a passenger and cargo boat caught fire on Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania early Thursday, authorities said.
The incident occurred in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region, while the vessel was traveling from Gozba Island in Kagera Region to Mwanza, according to Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force Commander for Mwanza Region Elisa Mugisha.
Mugisha said 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," he said.
Rescue teams were still verifying the number of passengers on board, which was initially reported as 52, with at least two people unaccounted for, he said.
Mugisha warned that the number of passengers could be higher. The fire completely destroyed the boat, while strong winds hampered rescue operations, he said.
Mugisha said search efforts were ongoing and that investigations would be launched to determine the cause of the fire once rescue operations are complete. ■
