Burials begin for capsized ferry’s dead
Death toll rises to 224; identifications ongoing
UKARA ISLAND, Tanzania — Relatives wept in grief on Sunday at the mass burial in Tanzania of many of the 224 people who drowned when a ferry in capsized on Lake Victoria.
Colorfully painted coffins were lined up to go into graves on Ukara Island. Grieving family members placed wreaths of flowers on the coffins.
The overloaded boat tipped over Thursday as it got to about 55 yards from the island’s dock. People carrying their goods from a busy market day prepared to disembark, unbalancing the ferry, which turned over. Horrified fishermen and others watched from the shore.
One survivor said he is still searching for his daughter.
“My child might have been found, but I have not seen her,” said Magesa Chibuga, in Swahili. “I am therefore waiting for this ferry to be lifted from the water so that I can see whether she is there or not. But I am feeling very bad. I thank God I have found my wife, but the child is still missing. So God has every plan.”
Chibuga described how he survived when the boat capsized.
“I heard people shouting ‘Accident, accident!’ I was seated with my bag. I put it on my chest, removed my phone and put it in my bag, and then jumped. After I jumped, I found a lifesaver, grabbed it and that’s how I escaped.”
Identifications have been made for 172 people who died in the boat tragedy, Tanzania’s Minister of Works, Transport and Communication Isack Kamwelwe said. The bodies of 37 others have not yet been identified, he told the broadcaster. At least 40 people were rescued, officials said.
Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa led mourners at the funeral service.
“Our country has been hit by a big tragedy. We lost brothers, relatives and friends. Our call is for us to be united during this hard time and understand that our countrymen have been left by beloved parents, brothers, sisters, children and friends in this big tragedy,” he said. “So we need to console them instead of feeding them with bad words. Let’s leave the government and relevant authorities to do their work.”
Adla Bakari said she lost her son and neighbors.
“We are coming for the burial,” Bakari said.