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Hippo Capsizes Boat on Sassandra River in Ivory Coast, 11 Missing

Authorities say rescuers continue to search the Sassandra River for 11 people.

Overview

  • Officials report the Sept. 5 morning collision near Buyo overturned a passenger boat carrying 14 people, with three survivors and 11 unaccounted for.
  • Minister of Cohesion and Solidarity Myss Belmonde Dogo announced the figures in a public statement and expressed government support for affected families.
  • Search-and-rescue teams are operating along the river, and authorities have not confirmed any bodies recovered.
  • The overturned vessel was described as a narrow, canoe-like boat commonly used for travel between riverside communities.
  • Background research estimates about 500 hippos in Ivory Coast and identifies the species as the leading source of fatal human–wildlife incidents, with small-boat accidents also a recurring risk.