( www.MaritimeCyprus.com ) The Senegalese government-owned ferry capsized off the coast of The Gambia on September 26, 2002 , resulting in the deaths of at least 1,863 people. The sinking of the ferry Le Joola is thought to be the second-worst non-military maritime disaster in number of lives lost, after the Doña Paz. The ferry was reportedly loaded to overcapacity, so when it ran into a storm it quickly capsized within five minutes of hitting rough weather. Of the estimated 2,000 passengers, only around 64 survived including only one woman (Mariama Diouf, who was pregnant at the time), out of the more than 600 female passengers aboard.   For more Maritime History, click HERE   Stay informed with MaritimeCyprus Join 28,500+ maritime professionals receiving maritime news, safety insights and industry updates. Daily Weekly Subscribe free Leave this field empty By clicking Subscribe free, you agree to receive the MaritimeCyprus newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy         The post Flashback in maritime history: Le Joola, Senegalese ferry capsized with death toll of nearly 2000, 26 Sept. 2002 appeared first on MaritimeCyprus .