/ 13 December 1999

FERRY DISASTER ON LAKE VICTORIA

At least 11 people died and 160 others are feared drowned after a ferry boat sank on Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania, Radio Tanzania reported on Monday. The radio report said 102 other people were rescued from the boat, which hit a rock and broke apart on Lake Victoria. The boat was apparently carrying passengers as well as a consignment of fish and clothes. The accident occurred between the Muleba islands and Nyamirembe coastal town in Biharamulo district. Local residents and government maritime officials are still searching for bodies in the lake.