Dhow vanishes in the Indian ocean, five presumed dead
What you need to know:
- A dhow registered by the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) as MV Tawakal III was reported missing as it was travelling from the port of Kilwa Kivinje, Lindi Region, to Malindi Port in Unguja.
Dar es Salaam. The fate of five Tanzanian sailors onboard a dhow registered in Zanzibar is unclear, prompting severe concerns about their safety.
A dhow registered by the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) as MV Tawakal III was reported missing as it was travelling from the port of Kilwa Kivinje, Lindi Region, to Malindi Port in Unguja.
Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (Tasac) said in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, that apart from the five people, the vessel carried 65 tonnes of timber, but no passenger was included.
“The said dhow left Kilwa Kivinje at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, and was expected to arrive at the Malindi Port on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. The 17-metre-long dhow had five sailors aboard,” reads part of Tasac's statement.
Contacted for updates on Friday, April 26, 2024, a senior Tasac official who sought anonymity said neither the sailors nor the remains of the vessel have been spotted.
“There is no new news about the missing marine vessel, despite ongoing efforts and collaboration with other stakeholders. Neither Kenya nor Comoro have shared reports about the missing dhow,” said the source.
“We don’t know what has happened, despite looming fears,” added the senior official.
The source cautioned marine transport users to strongly abide by weather forecasts issued by authorities, especially during this period of heavy rainfall sometimes associated with storms.
According to the Tasac statement, immediately after receiving the missing reports, it communicated and commenced coordinating the search by involving different government authorities and stakeholders.
The statement says reports were also communicated to authorities in neighbouring countries, including Kenya and the Comoros, where the dhow could have been pushed by the wind.
Tasac asks Tanzanians and people from neighbouring countries to volunteer information to the search and rescue coordination centre at +255 80 011 0101 or by email at [email protected].
