Tanzania ferry accident death toll 31

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania -- Stormy conditions hampered rescue efforts yesterday for a capsized ferry off Tanzania's coast, as officials said the death toll had risen to 31.

The government said that more than 100 passengers were still missing one day after the MV Skagit capsized.

The Red Cross said at least 146 people were rescued. The MV Skagit left Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of Tanzania, on Wednesday en route to the island of Zanzibar.

One accident survivor, Rashid Mohamed, said that heavy winds caused the boat to lose control and flip over just a few miles short of Zanzibar's main port.

"Heavy winds blew from every side," Mohamed, 24, said. "The boat swayed many times before flipping over."

Passengers said the ferry was overloaded. The Red Cross said the ferry was certified to carry 250 people, but may have been carrying more than 280. -- AP