Scores die but many survive as ferry sinks between Zanzibar's main island

[malaise]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14864400
At least 163 people have died after a heavily overloaded ferry sank off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar with more than 500 people on board.

More than 100 people are still missing, but 325 survivors have been rescued, Zanzibar's emergencies minister said.

The MV Spice Islander was travelling between Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, and Pemba, the archipelago's other main island - popular tourist destinations.

The ferry was bringing people back from holiday at the end of Ramadan.

The authorities are struggling to cope and have asked for foreign help.

"We have recovered 163 people who have died and we have rescued 325 survivors," state emergencies minister Mohammed Aboud told the AFP news agency.