Death toll from Madagascar boat accident rises to 64

The maritime agency of Madagascar said on Wednesday that at least 64 people have died in a boat accident off the coast of north-eastern Madagascar and searches were underway for 24 missing passengers,

Fifty survivors in the boat accident were found, the Maritime and River Port Agency said.

Mamy Randrianavony, Director (Operations) at sea of the Maritime and River Port Agency (APMF), said the vessel, a cargo ship that was not authorized to transport people, was overloaded and water flooded the engine. 

It sank late on Monday night with 138 people onboard, said the agency.