Please be warned this footage contains some graphic images.

Rescue operations have resumed today in the search for survivors of a ferry that capsized and sank between the east African coast and the Zanzibar shore line which killed at least 31 people, of the 250 people believed on board.

Police moved quickly though the heavy crowds with the bodies wrapped in shrouds of men, women and children. Police confirmed 31 children were aboard the ferry, and a number of them were found amongst the dead.

Following the disaster The Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein speaking at a news conference declared three days of mourning.

"Based on what happened, the government of Zanzibar declares three days of mourning starting on July 19, 2012, during that period all celebrations are meant to stop and all the flags must be flown at half mast. This is not the time to start blaming one another or spreading rumours, we need to come together and help each other during this period of tragedy and death, lets all agree that what happened was God's will and it's a trial to us, our God tells us as humans we shall face trial and tribulations in life."

The Police Commissioner confirmed that 145 people had been rescued on Wednesday. It has been reported that a foreigner was among those killed, but it was not clear how many others there were, or the final number of passengers who had actually been on board the vessel.

Written and Presented by Ann Salter