At least 20 passengers are still missing after the MV Kilimanjaro II ferry was struck with strong waves in the Nungwi area in Zanzibar Sunday (January 5th), throwing several passengers overboard, officials told Sabahi.
Rescue workers recovered five bodies Sunday afternoon, including two women and three men between the ages of 15 and 17, North Unguja Regional Police Commander Khalfan Mohammed Msangi told Sabahi on Monday. Three other people were found alive and taken to area hospitals, he said.
"Search [missions] were called-off late Sunday because of rough sea and darkness, but we have now resumed investigations," Msangi said. "Rescue divers from police, army, coastguard, and private companies are taking part in the operation."
MV Kilimanjaro II left Pemba Island at 8 a.m. on Sunday, bound for Unguja Island in Zanzibar. It was due to arrive three hours later, but just after halfway of the journey strong waves struck the boat, officials said.
The ferry was carrying 396 adult passengers and 60 children aboard when about 20 people and part of the cargo fell in the sea, Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) Director Abdi Omar Maalim told reporters at the port.
Maalim blamed the ferry's crew for negligence and said the boat's captain had been detained for questioning.
Riziki Simai, district commissioner of North Zanzibar where the accident happened, told Sabahi survivors complained of lack of co-operation among crew members during the accident.
For his part, Khalid Salim Mohammed, permanent secretary in the Office of Second Vice President, issued a statement consoling grieved families and asking for patience as the government continues with the search.
He also urged people to refrain from traveling by sea during this period of time when weather forecasts have warned of strong winds causing heavy waves.
More than 200 people died at the same place in 2011 when the MV Spice Islander capsized while on its way to Pemba port. Later in July 2012 another boat, MV Skagit, also sank while sailing to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam, killing more than 140 people.
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