Around 5,000 fishermen die annually on Lake Victoria across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda
Mtwara. Over 5,000 fishermen lose their lives each year on Lake Victoria due to various accidents, according to regional authorities.
In response to this alarming trend, the governments of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda agreed to acquire specialised rescue boats to bolster emergency response and monitoring on the lake.
Manager of Ship Registration and Inspection at the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC), Engineer Saidi Kaheneko, told the press on 11 April 2025 that one of three rescue boats pledged by Tanzania had arrived.
The vessel, valued at approximately Sh4 billion, will enhance emergency operations on the lake, particularly around Mwanza.
Engineer Kaheneko made the statement in Mtwara, where the boat—manufactured in Turkey—was received at the port. Due to its heavy weight, it required a ship capable of docking at Mtwara.
“This boat is part of a regional agreement among Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to provide rescue services on Lake Victoria,” he said.
“Approximately 5,000 fishermen die each year in the lake—not just in Tanzania, but also in Kenya and Uganda. The presidents of the three countries met and agreed on a solution. Tanzania committed to buying three boats and is currently constructing a monitoring centre in Mwanza.”
According to Engineer Kaheneko, although the project was initially a joint effort among the three nations, Kenya later withdrew, leaving Tanzania and Uganda to continue implementation.
While the first boat has now arrived, two more are completed and awaiting inspection in Turkey. If they meet the required standards, they will be shipped to Tanzania within a month and a half.
“This boat can carry up to 16 patients and features two emergency rooms,” he added. “It is fully equipped with life-saving medical equipment, including two intensive care units—separate for men and women—two beds for non-critical patients, and upper and lower decks. This boat will help reduce fatalities on the lake.”
The project was signed on 22 December 2023 and took 12 months to complete.
The delivery was delayed due to the unique transport requirements of the vessel, which could only be accommodated at the Port of Mtwara.
The boat will be transported by road to Mwanza via Songea, with a team of specialists overseeing its safe delivery.
Engineer Kaheneko confirmed that the boat is fully insured, and in case of unforeseen damage during transport, a replacement would be procured.
Public Relations and Marketing Manager at TASAC, Saidi Mkabakuli, said the boat's arrival was a moment of hope for the communities around Lake Victoria.
“This vessel brings relief to residents around the lake. It will serve during emergencies, offering both rescue and on-board treatment services,” he said.
