Nine Tanzanians missing as boat capsizes in Indian Ocean
The vessel, the Masha Allah, sank on the route between Tanga and Pemba, one of the two main islands of the archipelago. AFP PHOTO
What you need to know:
- Most boats working the Zanzibar islands are smaller vessels in poor conditions, lacking emergency or communications equipment.
- The distance between the port of Tanga and Pemba is about 50 kilometres (30 miles).
At least nine people were missing on Wednesday after a boat carrying construction materials capsized while heading toward the Zanzibar archipelago off Tanzania, maritime authorities said.
The vessel, the Masha Allah, sank on the route between Tanga and Pemba, one of the two main islands of the archipelago, and none of the three crew members and at least six passengers have been found since the accident was reported on Tuesday morning.
The boat was transporting "several tonnes of building materials, mainly cement in bags," said Sheikha Ahmed of the Zanzibar Maritime Authority.
Ahmed said the boat may have been overloaded, or the waves particularly high in an area where sinkings are common but are rarely reported.
Most boats working the Zanzibar islands are smaller vessels in poor conditions, lacking emergency or communications equipment.
The distance between the port of Tanga and Pemba is about 50 kilometres (30 miles).
