At least nine BECE candidates have been confirmed dead by drowning after the boat they were traveling on capsized on River Oti Friday.

According to reports, the pupils, who were between the ages of 30 and 30, had gone to work on a rice farm with their head teacher and were now returning.

The rest were able to swim to safety, but the nine died. So far, seven bodies have been found.

After a police report was completed, the bodies were returned to the families for burial.

They were supposed to take part in the BECE, which starts on Monday.