A tragic incident occurred as a hippopotamus struck a boat filled with people, leading to the boat’s capsizing. One child was pronounced dead while 23 others are still unaccounted for.
The incident happened in the secluded Nsanje District of southern Malawi, near the Mozambique border, on Monday, May 15,
The boat was en route to local farming fields, ferrying 37 individuals. The collision between the hippo and the boat caused the boat to topple over, leaving its passengers in danger.
Immediate rescue operations were conducted by the local police, along with the help of World Food Program personnel who were present in the vicinity. Dominic Mwandira, Nsanje District Police Commissioner, reported the successful rescue of 13 individuals from the water.
However, the deadly encounter with the hippo claimed the life of a one-year-old child, the only minor on board, according to Agnes Zalakoma, the spokesperson for Nsanje police. She added that the search and rescue team was still working tirelessly to locate the remaining missing passengers.
It’s not the first time hippos have been the cause of accidents, resulting in some locals advocating for the relocation of these creatures.
The Shire River, home to numerous hippos and crocodiles, is a common route for villagers who rely on often overloaded and dilapidated boats and canoes. The community has repeatedly petitioned for the construction of a bridge, a safer option to traverse the river, but no progress has been made, thus perpetuating such dangerous situations.
While boat capsizing is not uncommon, this incident marked one of the rare instances when it was due to a hippo’s collision. These massive creatures are Africa’s second-largest land animals following elephants, boasting a male average weight of over 3,500 pounds and sometimes reaching up to 9,000 pounds. Despite their colossal size, hippos are known for their agility both on land and in water. They are highly territorial, particularly the females protecting their offspring. It’s estimated that hippos contribute to around 500 human deaths annually across Africa.