Magufuli mourns dead 37 after ferry capsizes, sinks in Lake Victoria

What you need to know:

  • President Magufuli mourns the dead.
  • More than 40 pulled alive from the lake
  • Mwanza Regional Police Commander Jonathan Shanna said vessel may have been overloaded
  • Ferry was heading to Ukara Island from Ukara.

Ukerewe. At least 37 people have died and more than 40 others rescued after MV Nyerere capsized and sank in Lake Victoria.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander Jonathan Shanna said the accident occurred on Thursday September 20. The ferry was heading to Ukara Island from Bugolora

The accident was also confirmed by Tanzania Electrical, Mechanical and Electronic Services Agency (TEMESA) regional manager Hassan Karonda.

“I am on my way to the scene and I will be in a better position to talk about the accident after I get there,” he said.

President John Magufuli has sent his condolences to the bereaved families and wished quick recovery to those in hospital. A statement from the State House said 37 people have been confirmed dead.

The ferry has a capacity of about 100 passengers but it was said to have been carrying more than its capacity plus cargo. 

An eyewitness told The Citizen that fishermen immediately scrambled to try to save the victims from the overturned vessel.