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LequteMan
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Malian authorities say 72 people are now known to have died when a boat capsized a week ago on the River Niger, instead of 39.
According to BBC, the vessel, which was overloaded, broke up at the stern on a branch of the river near Koubi village, Konna whilst en route north from the town of Mopti to Timbuktu.
"The rescue teams have been able to bring it to the surface," Mali’s Security Minister General Sada Samake announced in a press conference.
He said 72 had died, and there were 210 survivors, of whom 11 were lightly injured.
He thanked the French military for its help in providing a medical team after the accident.
Speaking at the same press conference, Mali's Planning Minister, Abdoulaye Koumare, said the government was introducing new safety measures to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy.
"In the future, these canoes will have to be equipped with life vests, fire extinguishers and lights for night-time navigation," he said.
An investigation into why the large dugout capsized is still under way.
Eyewitnesses had said the boat collapsed because it was overloaded with cargo.
