'Hundreds missing' in Zanzibar ferry disaster

Gerald · 09-10-11, 04:35 AM

Hundreds of people are thought to be missing after a ferry sank off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar with more than 500 people onboard.

At least 43 people have died in the disaster, a minister in the semi-autonomous archipelago has said.

Some 260 people are reported to have been rescued.

The MV Spice Islander was travelling between Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, and Pemba, the archipelago's other main island - popular tourist destinations.

"So far we have recovered 43 people who died, but we have rescued 259 survivors," said Mohammed Aboud, Zanzibar's state minister for emergencies, adding that 40 of those rescued were seriously injured.

The ferry left Unguja at around 21:00 (19:00 GMT) and is said to have sank at 01:00 (23:00 GMT).

It was heavily overloaded and some passengers refused to board as a result, survivor Abdullah Saied is quoted as saying by the AP news agency.

The ferry was bringing people back from holiday at the end of Ramadan and many children were on board.

A BBC reporter in Zanzibar says bodies are being washed up on the shore and the authorities are struggling to cope with the disaster.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14864400

Note: 10 September 2011 Last updated at 09:08 GMT

Torplexed · 09-10-11, 05:06 AM

Another overloaded ferry disaster story from the developing world.

Seems you never hear any follow-up prosecution news relating to the ferry owners letting their vessels embark too many passengers out of neglect or greed. Which probably explains why the stories keep coming.

Jimbuna · 09-10-11, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torplexed

Another overloaded ferry disaster story from the developing world.

Seems you never hear any follow-up prosecution news relating to the ferry owners letting their vessels embark too many passengers out of neglect or greed. Which probably explains why the stories keep coming.

Precisely

Gerald · 09-10-11, 05:11 AM

Yes, unfortunately, according to some "safe" sources, 600 people or more have lost their lives,

Jimbuna · 09-10-11, 05:14 AM

How tragic

Jimbuna · 09-10-11, 06:52 AM

Latest death toll (as of 5 minutes ago) is 107 but local hospital in area say they are expecting many more

Gerald · 09-10-11, 07:03 AM

It makes me think of another ferry disaster, which struck hard against countries such as Sweden,m/s Estonia which sank Sept. 28, 1994 .. and there is a wound in my soul forever, as it was personally .. in many ways, forever.

09-10-11, 04:35 AM	#1
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	'Hundreds missing' in Zanzibar ferry disaster Hundreds of people are thought to be missing after a ferry sank off the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar with more than 500 people onboard. At least 43 people have died in the disaster, a minister in the semi-autonomous archipelago has said. Some 260 people are reported to have been rescued. The MV Spice Islander was travelling between Zanzibar's main island, Unguja, and Pemba, the archipelago's other main island - popular tourist destinations. "So far we have recovered 43 people who died, but we have rescued 259 survivors," said Mohammed Aboud, Zanzibar's state minister for emergencies, adding that 40 of those rescued were seriously injured. The ferry left Unguja at around 21:00 (19:00 GMT) and is said to have sank at 01:00 (23:00 GMT). It was heavily overloaded and some passengers refused to board as a result, survivor Abdullah Saied is quoted as saying by the AP news agency. The ferry was bringing people back from holiday at the end of Ramadan and many children were on board. A BBC reporter in Zanzibar says bodies are being washed up on the shore and the authorities are struggling to cope with the disaster. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14864400 Note: 10 September 2011 Last updated at 09:08 GMT __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

09-10-11, 05:06 AM	#2
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	Another overloaded ferry disaster story from the developing world. Seems you never hear any follow-up prosecution news relating to the ferry owners letting their vessels embark too many passengers out of neglect or greed. Which probably explains why the stories keep coming. __________________ --Mobilis in Mobili--

09-10-11, 05:11 AM	#4
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	Yes, unfortunately, according to some "safe" sources, 600 people or more have lost their lives, __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie

09-10-11, 05:14 AM	#5
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	How tragic __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

09-10-11, 06:52 AM	#6
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,500 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Latest death toll (as of 5 minutes ago) is 107 but local hospital in area say they are expecting many more __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

09-10-11, 07:03 AM	#7
Gerald SUBSIM Newsman Join Date: May 2008 Location: Close to sea Posts: 24,254 Downloads: 553 Uploads: 0	It makes me think of another ferry disaster, which struck hard against countries such as Sweden,m/s Estonia which sank Sept. 28, 1994 .. and there is a wound in my soul forever, as it was personally .. in many ways, forever. __________________ Nothing in life is to be feard,it is only to be understood. Marie Curie