Rescuers are continuing to search for survivors of a ferry that capsized and sank between the east African coast and the Zanzibar archipelago on Wednesday.

It remains unclear how many passengers were on board, but witnesses say the ferry had more than 250 people when it sank. At least 63 people were confirmed dead, and 150 people had been rescued on Wednesday. Police said they knew of 31 children aboard the ferry. A number of them were found amongst the dead. At least one foreigner was killed. Soldiers have gathered the bodies of the victims in Stone Town, Zanzibar.

Rescuers are continuing to search for survivors of a ferry that capsized and sank between the east African coast and the Zanzibar archipelago on Wednesday. [chinanews.com]

Zanzibar's President Ali Mohamed Shein declared three days of mourning. During that period all celebrations are to be halted and all the flags must be flown at half mast.

He said, "Based on what happened, the government of Zanzibar declares three days of mourning starting on July 19, 2012. This is not the time to start blaming one another or spreading rumors. We need to come together and help each other during this period of tragedy and death."