34 Confirmed Missing In Gabon Ferry Disaster

The number of people believed missing in a ferry disaster off the coast of Gabon has climbed to 34 following a reassessment, with the death toll also rising from two to three.

At least one child and two adults have been found dead since the Esther Miracle — a mixed-use freight and passenger vessel that traveled between the capital Libreville and the oil town of Port-Gentil — sank in the wee hours of Thursday not far from the coast, according to authorities.

The number of passengers and crew aboard the ship was initially believed to be 151, but that figure was revised upwards to 161 on Friday evening.

“One hundred twenty-four people have been rescued (and) three lifeless bodies have been found, while 34 people are still missing and the search continues,” Libreville deputy public prosecutor Loic Mangongo told public television channel Gabon Premiere.