Reports say neither the MV Illala or the Chipoka Port Authority were properly equipped with life saving equipment.

BBC: Lake Malawi capsize kills 17

Morrison Swira, Port Operations Officer at Chipoka, said 16 passengers survived the accident.

BBC: Lake Malawi capsize kills 17

Port officials at Chipoka said the boat was overloaded with passengers being ferried early on Saturday morning to the ship MV Illala anchored offshore.

BBC: Lake Malawi capsize kills 17

Police spokesman Oliver Soko said a massive joint police and Malawi Lake Services rescue operation is underway around Chipoka Harbour where the overloaded boat capsized.

BBC: Lake Malawi capsize kills 17