Zanzibar boat accident a national disaster - Kikwete

President Jakaya Kikwete has sent a condolence message to the President of Zanzibar Dr Ali Mohamed Shein and all Tanzanians following a boat tragedy which hit Zanzibar on Wednesday.

According to a press statement availed by the Directorate of Presidential Communication (State House), President Kikwete was profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life after the ferry capsized  about 14 nautical miles from the Port of Zanzibar while heading to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam.

He expressed his condolences to the revolutionary governments of Zanzibar and people of the United Republic of Tanzania and Zanzibar and the families of the victims, saying it was a national disaster.

“I stand together with the people of Zanzibar at this tragic moment, I express my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families and friends, as well as to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar,” the statement said.

 Kikwete also commended rescue teams for their efforts in rescuing people and recovering dead bodies. He also declared three days of mourning effective today with the national flag flying at half mast.