Tanzanians remember 1996 tragedy as they mourn death in capsized MV Nyerere

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians are mourning the victims of MV Nyerere ferry tragedy occurred in the Lake Victoria with others recounting a similar incident 22 years ago.

MV Nyerere which plies the Bugolora- Ukara islands route in Ukerewe District capsized on Thursday and the death toll has so far reached 94.

Mourners are taking it to social media to pour their condolences with many remembering MV Bukoba tragedy which killed over 500 people in 1996.

“We are getting the same pain again 22 years later…As a nation, it seems we failed to learn anything from the MV Bukoba accident,” Peter Msigwa, a Member of Parliament for Iringa Urban (Chadema) wrote on his twitter account.

“22 years on….same cause, same fate,” twitted another mourner.

Others were not happy with the way the rescue operation was carried out. The rescue mission was halted on Thursday night due to darkness.

“Okay, let’s say this is an accident just like other accidents but how are we prepared for when such accident occurs? Failure to carry out rescue operation last night is evident that we failed to learn from what happened in the past. We really need to wake up #MVNyerere,” twitted fashion model Flaviana Matata.

“My prayers to all the life lost. Also praying for the permanent solution so this doesn’t ever happen again. God bless Tanzania. Amen #MVNyerere,” posted actress Antu Mandoza through twitter.

"I am really shocked by the MV Nyerere accident. My condolences to all those who lost their beloved ones and I pray for a quick recovery of the survivors. For now, let’s remain calm when the rescue mission continues,” twitted State House spokesperson Gerson Msigwa as he sent a message from President John Magufuli.