Posted on 09/22/2018 12:46:39 PM PDT by BenLurkin
A survivor was rescued from inside a Tanzanian ferry two days after it capsized on Lake Victoria, killing at least 207 people.
The condition of the survivor was not immediately clear. Citing the state-run Tanzanian Broadcasting Corporation, the AP reported the man was an engineer and had locked himself in the engine room. The BBC reported he survived because of an air pocket inside the vessel.
Divers resumed their rescue efforts on Saturday after hearing knocking noises that suggested signs of life, according to the BBC.
The overcrowded ferry was reportedly traveling between the islands of Ukara and Ukerewe on Thursday afternoon when it sank. It's thought that the ship tipped when passengers moved to one side when the ferry docked, NPR's Ofeibea Quist-Arcton reported.
It's unknown how many people were on the MV Nyerere but the ferry was especially busy on Thursday because it was market day in Bugolora, on Ukerewe Island.
With the capacity to carry 100 people, at the time it sank, it's estimated that several hundred people were on board. At least 40 people have survived, according to the AP. It is unknown how many are still missing.
The ship was also carrying cargo that exceeded the 25-ton limit, including bags of maize and crates of beer, when it sank around 50 meters (164 feet) from land, according to the BBC.
Tanzania's President John Magufuli declared four days of mourning and ordered the arrests of the people responsible.
"This is a great disaster for our nation," Magufuli said late Friday in a speech on TBC television.
Don’t enforce basic safety laws and don’t act shocked at what horrors can happen.
I’m amazed, and happy, that somebody survived inside the wreck.
Yes, but there was no reason for anyone to have died in the first place.
Africa wins again...
Sank 50 meters from land but 150 drowned?
Africa for SURE.
Chicago topped that. Hundreds drowned from a capsize at the dock.
Whenever I am on a ferry in the developing world, I work on the assumption that all hell is going to break loose. As soon as the car is parked, I am up on the highest deck I can reach, as far away from the vehicles as possible. If the ship goes down, I want to be able to get off in a hurry.
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