Nine people have died and dozens are missing after a boat accident in Tanzania.

The boat was heading to Panza island from Pemba when the accident happened. The passengers had been due to attend a funeral at Panza.

Only six have been rescued alive and are receiving medical attention.

Pemba regional police commander, Richard Thadei Mchomvu said the cause of the accident is unknown.

He said the boat had about 40 people but the exact number is unknown.

"The captain has not been found and the weather was not bad, so we do not know the exact cause because it seems the problem was not the wind," Mr Mchovu told the BBC.

Rescue efforts were halted on Tuesday evening and resumed on Wednesday morning.