The death toll from Tanzania’s ferry disaster has risen to one hundred and thirty-six as hopes faded for more people being pulled out alive from Lake Victoria. Many are missing and it is feared that more than 200 people in total may have drowned.
So far, 40 people have been rescued and are in critical condition, according to Mwanza Regional Commissioner John Mongella. The MV Nyerere ferry sank on Thursday near Ukerewe island on Africa’s largest lake.
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear, but overloading is frequently to blame for such incidents. Local media say the ferry’s official capacity was 100 people, but officials say the vessel was carrying more than 400 passengers when it capsized.
An official investigation will take place once rescue efforts to find survivors have ended.
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