2009 Sierra Leone ferry accident

[1][4] The Xinhua News Agency in China has likened the disaster to other major marine accidents in recent years.

[1] Relatives of those on board flocked to Tombo to hear what had happened to their loved ones,[1] with several "bitterly criticis(ing)" the lengthy delays at rescue attempts.

[7] Another survivor, Sam Kelfala, said "the heavy weight of drums of palm oil and other goods trapped many of the people".

[2] Further survivors were not expected to be found due to sea turbulence and currents, which would have hampered efforts to swim ashore.

[13] Sierra Leone's President, Ernest Bai Koroma, was said to be "very sad" in the wake of the tragedy.

[7] Ibrahim Ben Kargbo, Sierra Leone's Information Minister, said the shipwreck would be "thoroughly investigated".