Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life following the capsizing of an unregistered vessel in the early hours of Saturday morning in Jalo, Likoma District, and has vowed to ensure that all those responsible for the illegal operation of the boat are brought to justice.
In a solemn statement released from the State House on Saturday evening, the President confirmed that he is personally following the ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which claimed the lives of at least 11 people and left several others injured or unaccounted for. He emphasized that the full force of the law would be applied to those found culpable for operating the vessel outside legal maritime regulations.
“The loss of life in this tragic accident is both heartbreaking and unacceptable,” President Chakwera said, adding that any form of negligence or disregard for safety protocols would not be tolerated under his administration.
Accompanied by First Lady Monica Chakwera, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and friends of the victims. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families during this moment of profound sorrow,” the statement read.
The President also acknowledged the eight individuals who sustained varying degrees of injury in the incident and are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities. He conveyed his wishes for their swift and full recovery, assuring them of the government’s support.
Search and rescue operations remain active, with authorities continuing to comb the waters around Likoma in search of those who remain missing. The accident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m., has shocked the nation and raised serious questions about enforcement of maritime safety laws on the country’s inland waters.
President Chakwera concluded his remarks by reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims and their families, and to strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
