[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] A cargo ship sank off the coast of Madagascar, an island nation in southeastern Africa, resulting in at least 60 deaths.
According to foreign media including AP on the 22nd (local time), the cargo ship "Francia" sank off the northeastern coast of Madagascar on the morning of the 20th.
Authorities initially announced that 17 people died and about 60 were missing.
On the third day of the search, the 22nd, authorities reported that the death toll had risen to 64, with 24 still missing. They also added that 50 people were rescued through joint rescue operations by the military and police.
According to the maritime authorities' investigation, although Francia was a cargo ship, it illegally carried about 130 passengers before sinking.
Authorities explained that Francia sank while sailing from Antanabe, a northeastern coastal city, to Sonierlana Ibongo.
Jean Edmond Randrianatenaina, Director of the Maritime and Port Authority, said, "The exact time of sinking is unknown, but it is understood that the ship began to sink after a hole appeared." He added, "The navy and police are currently continuing joint search operations to find the remaining missing persons."
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