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

The RNLI crew had to contend with choppy seas and strong winds during the three-and-a-half-hour operation to tow the 80-tonne vessel into harbour.

BBC: Lifeboat (gen)