People from Likoma Island are urging the government to consider replacing MV Ilala, amid fears that the aged ship may cause a disaster.
The ship, which has a capacity of 360 passengers and 100 metric tons of freight, has been sailing on Lake Malawi since 1951.
This is the only reliable means of transport for people on Likoma and Chizumulu islands.
Speaking during an extraordinary council meeting with government representatives, Traditional Authority Mkumpha of Likoma stressed that islanders are in desperate need for a new vessel that can safely sail between Likoma and Nkhata Bay.