On January 8, the 57 meter long, 200 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry Vicente sank off Sao Filipe, Fogo Island, Cape Verde.  The ferry left Praia with 22 passengers and 4 crew along with a cargo of vehicles and containers bound for Sao Filipe.  The ferry was dealing with heavy weather when the ferry sank 3 nautical miles off Fogo Island.  Authorities dispatched two vessels to scene to search for survivors.  Initial reports stated 3 survivors were pulled from the water.  As search and rescue operations continued, another 8 survivors were rescued. Three bodies were also recovered.  An official stated there was still 12 missing, but the chances to find additional survivors were low. The cause of the sinking was no reported.  Some reports have alluded that the ferry may have been overloaded while authorities have stated the cause was the bad weather.