From Mali, CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the number of casualties recorded when a boat capsized on the River Niger in Mali, has risen to 72.

According to the Mali’s Security Minister SadaSamake, rescue workers found more bodies of passengers after the boat was refloated.

He said 210 people survived the accident, in which the vessel broke up near Konna whilst en route north from the town of Mopti to Timbuktu.

"The rescue teams have been able to bring it to the surface. 72 had died, and there were 210 survivors, of whom 11 were lightly injured,” he said at a press conference.

He thanked the French military for its help in providing a medical team after the accident.

Speaking at the same press conference, Mali's Planning Minister, Abdoulaye Koumare, said the government was introducing new safety measures to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy.

"In the future, these canoes will have to be equipped with life vests, fire extinguishers and lights for night-time navigation," he said.

An investigation into why the large dugout capsized is still under way.