Tanzania: Govt says death toll from capsized ferry reaches 224
What you need to know:
The minister for Transport, Communication and Works, Isack Kamwele, said during the burial ceremony of nine of the dead that 126 of the dead were adult females, 71 adult males, 17 young females and 10 young males.
Dar es Salaam. The government has said 224 bodies have been recovered, one on Sunday, from the MV Nyerere ferry accident that occurred on Thursday, September 20.
The minister for Transport, Communication and Works, Isack Kamwele, said during the burial ceremony of nine of the dead that 126 of the dead were adult females, 71 adult males, 17 young females and 10 young males.
He said initial reports indicate that 265 passengers were onboard MV Nyerere against the capacity of 101.
“We thank Ukara Island residents for recuing 40 people immediately after the accident,” he said
A total of 219 bodies have already been identified by relatives and 214 bodies were collected by family members.
The burial ceremony on Sunday September 23 was conducted for nine victims, including five who had been identified and four who had not been identified.
“The government has taken DNA samples of unidentified bodies to enable recognition once their relatives resurface,” Jinesta Mhagama, the minister responsible for Disaster Management said.
Mr Kamwelwe said a total of Sh190 million has donated by well-wishers to support rescue mission.
Giving the history of he said MV Nyerere was made in 2004 in the country and started operation immediately. It has had two major maintenances; in 2013 and 2015.
In June 2018, the two engines were replaced by the new ones. The gear box was also replaced.
