At least five people are feared dead in Chikwawa, after a canoe they were sailing in on the Shire River sank this morning.

Paramount chief Lundu confirmed of the development.

Paramount Chief Lundu has since said that the search of the missing people is currently underway.

One eye witness says the canoe, with eight people on board, was coming from the area of Paramount Chief Lundu towards the area of Makhuwira where their farms are located.

Preliminary findings show that the operator of the canoe owner and two other passengers swam to safety.