Soyo - At least three fishermen are missing in the seas off the commune of Soyo, northern Zaire province, after a fire broke out on an artisanal boat on Wednesday.
On board were six sailors (three survivors) fishing 14 miles off the coast of Soyo.
According to the spokesman for the Northern Naval Region of the Angolan Navy (MGA), Frigate Lieutenant Paulo Kassanga, the fire was caused by an alleged failure in the ignition of the outboard engine and spread to the entire vessel, which was carrying considerable quantities of reserve gasoline.
The Navy spokesman added that the three survivors were rescued by a tugboat belonging to an oil platform, as the vessel in flames was fishing in a prohibited area, and that search operations are underway to rescue the remaining missing fishermen, reiterating the call to avoid fishing in the vicinity of oil platforms. PMV/JL /AMP
