The ferry was on an overnight trip from the capital Libreville to the oil city of Port-Gentil with 151 passengers and crew onboard, officials said.

“After the departure of the passenger vessel, the crew reported a leak between 3 am and 4 am. This intrusion led to a loss of control of the boat. The authorities have been alerted and the emergency services are on the scene, the passengers are being rescued. We will keep you informed of developments as soon as possible,” its owner, Royal Cost Marine (RCM), said on Facebook.

Deputy Transport Minister Eric Joel Bekale said the ferry sank "at around 3:58 am off Libreville."

“At the present moment, 121 people have been saved, and sadly two people have died,” he added.

As search operations are currently continuing, an investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the tragedy. (ILKHA)