Tanzania seeking information on ‘nuclear waste’ ship detained in Mombasa

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Mwananchi Communications Limited

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Kenyan media reported on Monday that MV Piraeus Voy, which as docked at the port of Mombasa, was loaded with harmful nuclear waste that was to have been dumped on the East African coast, endangering the health of millions of people in the region.

The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) yesterday confirmed it has secured the cargo ship in Mombasa, which Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe ordered quarantined last week.
KNRA director general Joseph Maina said the authority is leading the inspection and verification of the container on board the MV Seago Piraeus Voy.
“We’re in the process of deciding whether to collect samples to determine the actual substance after realising there is radioactive materials on board or return the cargo to sender. We have taken all measures as we work with other agencies to ensure the public is not exposed,” he said.
Mr Kawe said in a statement that the ship “poses a serious threat to the health and lives of Kenyans by the emission of radiation”.
He also directed health authorities to inspect the ship and medically examine all the people on board.
The Kenyan government said it would compel all those on board to answer any question asked as per sections 60 and 62 of the Public Health Act.
Kenya is a signatory to the Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) that imposes international obligations to prevent, intercept, interdict and combat illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear material and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; having ratified international instruments.
KMA director general Robert Njue said the matter is a public health concern that is now being handled by KNRA.
“KMA was informed of the container with radioactive materials on December 15th, from a vessel on berth 21, the KPA called for a joint boarding of the vessel by a multi-agency team with the aim of getting information about the container. The team met with the vessel captain and senior officers where it was briefed about the container,” he said.
Mr Njue said the container was undeclared as having dangerous goods, but was instead disguised as dry cargo.
According to the KMA, the vessel had been inspected in India in July 2021 under the IOMOU and found with no deficiencies.
“The vessel was found with documents of compliance for the carriage of dry goods. The team therefore tasked KNRA to take up the issue of the container with radioactive materials which was already discharged from the vessel for transhipment and was secured in the yard at berth no. 21,” said Mr Njue.'

Tanzania seeking information on ‘nuclear waste’ ship detained in Mombasa

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