Capsized Zanzibar boat’s manager arrested

The police are holding Seagull Manager Mr Omar Hassan Mnkahonje (50  in connection with the Zanzibar boat accident that claimed more than 60 lives.

MV Skagit that capsized near Chumbe Islet in Zanzibar on Wednesday afternoon.

The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander, Suleiman Kova told journalists yesterday that Mr Mnkahonje’s explanation about the ill fated boat was the cause of the arrest and he will be assisting the police in the investigations.

“There are a number of issues that came to light in connection with ill-fated boat, and the police have arrested the manager of Seagull company owners of the capsized boat. And, he is going to assist with the investigations,” he explained.

Commander Kova said the investigation into the ill fated boat is being done in collaboration with the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA) and other stakeholders.

Commander Kova also hinted that there were possibilities of overloading as the number of passengers is suspected to have been more than 300 listed in the boat’s manifesto.