Tanzania: Ferry capsizing death toll climbs to 224

By Tufan Aktas

KAMPALA, Uganda

The death toll from the capsizing of a passenger ferry in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria has risen to 224, local media reported on Sunday.

On Thursday, the ferry MV Nyerere capsized near the Tanzanian city of Mwanza while en route from Ukara to Bugolora.

Burials for victims also began, the Tanzanian Broadcasting Cooperation reported.

According to local media, a total of 41 people were rescued before the end of search and rescue efforts.

On Saturday, President John Magufuli declared three days of national mourning and said the ferry captain had been arrested because he was not in the boat when it capsized.

"According to initial reports, the accident was caused by overcrowding," Magufuli added.