Death toll in Tanzania ferry tragedy rises to 86

The death toll in the Tanzania ferry tragedy has reached 86.

According to Mwanza regional commissioner John Mongella, 42 more bodies were retrieved on Friday morning from Lake Victoria.

Rescue efforts have resumed after they were called off on Thursday evening due to poor visibility.

According to Reuters, initial estimates showed that the MV Nyerere was carrying over 300 people.

The ill-fated Tanzania ferry capsized on Thursday just a few meters from the dock in Ukerewe district, the national ferry services operator TEMESA said.

Tanzania President John Magufuli has sent condolences to the victims of the accident.

Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga also condoled with the affected families saying:

“I send sincere and heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones in the MV Nyerere tragedy in Tanzania. I mourn with the people of Tanzania at this very difficult moment. May God grant peace and strength to the families, the care givers and the Tanzanian nation.”

Red Cross Volunteers were on Friday morning assisting in the search for more victims near Ukara Island.

Tanzania Red Cross Volunteers preparing to save the victims on the sinking ferry near Ukara Island.#MvNyerere pic.twitter.com/gbbHNZDqey

— Tanzania Red Cross (@trcs1962) September 21, 2018