Officials in Sierra Leone say at least 50 people are believed dead and more than 100 are missing after a boat capsized in rough seas near the nation's northern coast.
The officials say the boat had left the capital, Freetown, and was headed north when it encountered hostile weather late Thursday. They say it over-turned near the coastal village of Bailor near Sierra Leone's northern border with Guinea.
Boats in the region routinely ferry goods and people along the coastal and inland waterways in west Africa. Accidents are common as boats are frequently overloaded and safety standards are lacking.
The officials say the boat had left the capital, Freetown, and was headed north when it encountered hostile weather late Thursday. They say it over-turned near the coastal village of Bailor near Sierra Leone's northern border with Guinea.
Boats in the region routinely ferry goods and people along the coastal and inland waterways in west Africa. Accidents are common as boats are frequently overloaded and safety standards are lacking.