Dozens of people are feared dead after an overloaded boat sank off the coast of Guinea.

Officials said Saturday eight people were confirmed dead, including at least two children.

Investigators say about 50 people were on the vessel Friday, traveling from the capital, Conakry, to an island off the west African coast.

Some passengers on the ill-fated vessel were rescued, but a rescue official is quoted as saying that hopes of finding survivors have faded – meaning about 30 people could be dead.

The cause of the accident is unclear.