Africa’s deadliest ferry accidents that should never be forgotten

Le Joola. Photo: Wiki CC

MV Le Joola

This Senegalese ferry sunk in the Gambia, killing more than 1,000 people on September 26, 2002.  It is considered the second-worst non-military disaster in maritime history. The ferry, which ended up sailing farther than it was licensed in its journey from Zunguinchor to Dakar, ran into a violent storm that toppled it, throwing people into the water all in five minutes.

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Rescue operations were delayed as the accident happened at 11 pm, thus contributing to more deaths.