Hiiraan Online
Saturday September 22, 2018
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The Somali government has condoled with Tanzanians following the deaths of more than 100 people in a ferry tragedy.
MV Nyerere capsized in Lake Victoria on Thursday while carrying more than 200 passengers, a number that is twice its capacity.
The death toll rose to more than 100 on Friday.
In a statement to newsrooms, Somali Ministry for Foreign Affairs on Saturday extended its condolences to Tanzanian government and the families of people who perished in the ferry disaster in Ukererewe in Lake Victoria.
"The Federal Republic of Somalia expresses its heartfelt condolences to the Government and the friendly people of Tanzania following the sinking of the MV Nyerere ferry on Lake Victoria," the statement reads in part.
The ministry stressed that the government of Somalia stands with Tanzanians at this difficult time.
"Our thoughts and solidarity are with families and individuals affected in this tragic event. The Federal government of Somalia stand steadfastly with the people and government of Tanzania," the ministry stated.
In 1996, a ferry disaster on Lake Victoria in the same region killed at least 500 people.
In 2012, at least 145 people died in a ferry disaster in Tanzania's semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean, on a vessel that was overcrowded.