Operator of ill-fated MV Nyerere arrested as death toll rises

Tanzanian President John Magufuli has ordered for the arrest of the operator of the ferry that capsized in Lake Victoria on Thursday.

On Thursday, MV Nyerere, a ferry carrying over 200 passengers capsized as it neared the pier at Ukara Island.

However, Magufuli in a televised speech has ordered for the arrest of the ferry operator and everyone involved in the management of the ferry.

“The captain is already in police custody. I have also ordered that all those responsible for the operations of MV Nyerere to be arrested for questioning, “Magufuli said while appearing on tv on Friday.

He said that he had been informed that the captain had left an untrained person to steer the ferry on fateful day.

The no nonsense Tanzanian president said initial reports pointed out to negligence after it was found out that the cargo on the ill-fate vessel was far more than the allowed tonnage for the ferry.

It is said that over 200 people had boarded the ferry as it left Bugolora at Ukerewe Island where it was a market day on Thursday.

The Electrical, Mechanical and Services Agency, a body   responsible for Tanzania’s ferry services, said they didn’t know how many passengers were aboard the ill-fated Nyerere.

Magufuli said there were tons of maize, crates of beer and building materials as passengers had huge luggage destined for the market.

The Tanzanian president announced four days of national mourning since Friday and flags will fly at half-mast.

The total number of deaths has since reached 136.