This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-45594513

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Lake Victoria, Tanzania: Hundreds feared missing as ferry capsizes Lake Victoria, Tanzania: Dozens drown in ferry capsize
(about 3 hours later)
Hundreds of people are feared missing after a ferry capsized on Lake Victoria in north Tanzania. At least 40 people have died after a ferry carrying hundreds of people capsized on Lake Victoria, Tanzania.
A local official told the BBC five people have died and 102 have been rescued, but another said that the vessel was overloaded with more than 400 people on board. One official told the Reuters news agency the number who drowned could be more than 200. Rescue efforts have been halted until dawn on Friday.
The MV Nyerere ferry overturned near the shore between the islands of Ukora and Bugolora.The MV Nyerere ferry overturned near the shore between the islands of Ukora and Bugolora.
Locals have joined with emergency teams in rescue efforts. It is thought the overloaded vessel toppled over when crowds on board moved to one side as it docked.
The Tanzanian government has confirmed the ferry capsized but exact figures for those on board are yet to be confirmed. Officials have said the ferry was carrying more than 400 passengers. About 100 people were rescued while 32 are said to be in a critical condition.
Exact figures, though, are yet to be confirmed - Reuters said the person who dispensed tickets for the journey also died, with the machine recording the data lost.
"We pray to God to give us hope in such an accident," Regional Commissioner Adam Malima told reporters."We pray to God to give us hope in such an accident," Regional Commissioner Adam Malima told reporters.
"We pray to God to give us hope that there has not been a high death toll.""We pray to God to give us hope that there has not been a high death toll."
Locals joined with emergency teams in rescue efforts on Thursday afternoon.
Accidents are common on Africa's largest lake, Victoria, where boats often depart overcrowded.Accidents are common on Africa's largest lake, Victoria, where boats often depart overcrowded.
More than 800 people died in 1996 when the MV Bukoba capsized. It was one of the worst maritime disasters of the last century. More than 800 people died in 1996 when the MV Bukoba capsized. It was one of the worst nautical disasters of the last century.