Death toll mounts in Zanzibar ferry disaster
- 13 years ago
Bodies lined up on the ground in a makeshift morgue in Zanzibar - the victims of Tanzania's worst ferry disaster.
More than 150 people - including several children - are feared dead after the MV Spice ferry capsized overnight.
The vessel was carrying at least 500 passengers travelling from Zanzibar to Pemba Island when it sank in heavy seas.
Outside, thousands lined the pristine sandy beaches waiting anxiously for news.
Passengers who regularly take ferries between the two islands said the vessels are in a poor state of repair and often overcrowded and overlaoded with cargo.
There are fears the death toll could rise sharply as fishing boats and tour operators scour the sea for those still missing.
Rescue workers with the aid of fishing boats helped rescue more passengers and recover the dead.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters
More than 150 people - including several children - are feared dead after the MV Spice ferry capsized overnight.
The vessel was carrying at least 500 passengers travelling from Zanzibar to Pemba Island when it sank in heavy seas.
Outside, thousands lined the pristine sandy beaches waiting anxiously for news.
Passengers who regularly take ferries between the two islands said the vessels are in a poor state of repair and often overcrowded and overlaoded with cargo.
There are fears the death toll could rise sharply as fishing boats and tour operators scour the sea for those still missing.
Rescue workers with the aid of fishing boats helped rescue more passengers and recover the dead.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters