Death toll in Tanzania ferry capsizing tops 100

By Tufan Aktas

KAMPALA, Uganda

The death toll of the capsizing of a passenger ferry in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria has risen to more than 100, according to local media on Friday.

The ferry MV Nyerere was traveling between Ukara and Bugolora and capsized near the Tanzanian city of Mwanza on Thursday night, according to local media.

Mwanza regional commissioner John Mongella said that around 40 people had been rescued and search and rescue efforts are ongoing.

Saying that the death toll would likely rise, Mongella added that the number of people on board was not known.

Overcrowded and neglected ferries often cause such accidents in the region.