Guinea: 2 Dead, 30 Missing after Boat Capsizes

At least two people have been confirmed dead after a boat carrying New Year’s revellers capsized off the coast of Guinea’s capital city, Conakry.

According to maritime officials, the vessel – carrying at least 40 people – capsized on Wednesday, 2 January, while making an illegal trip to a group of islands near Conakry after the New Year’s Eve festivities.

The officials explained that the boat was meant for fishing trips and not for transporting multiple passengers, some of whom were intoxicated.

Witnesses say that the movements of the intoxicated passengers may have caused the vessel to capsize.

At least nine people were rescued from the incident. However, at least another 30 people remain missing, which may result in the death toll rising.