Zanzibar boat accident: Tanzania declares three days of mourning

Tanzania has declared three days of mourning following a boat tragedy in Zanzibar yesterday.

The accident so far has claimed 31 lives while over 200 are still missing.

Relatives helplessly wait as rescuers salvage for survivors in Zanzibar

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Policy, Co-ordination and Parliamentary Affairs,

 Hon. William Lukuvi, announced in parliament this morning that the country will have three days of national mourning for all those affected by the accident
So far, 31 bodies have been retrieved, 38 rescued and over 200 are still missing in the Zanzibar boat accident.

The boat, MV Skagit capsized near Chumbe Islet in Zanzibar, 13.8 nautical miles from Zanzibar port yesterday  afternoon.

The boat which had 251 passengers plus 9 crew on board and was heading to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam.

 MV Skagit capsized after being hit by strong winds accompanied by heavy waves.
It is also alleged that a the boat was sailing at high speed and this might have contributed to its capsizing.