MAFIA: SURVIVORS of a deadly boat accident that claimed 22 lives in Mafia District have narrated how mechanical failure, strong winds and rough waters left them stranded at sea for days before they were rescued along the shores of Kungwi Village.
The survivors, who are citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and the Comoros Islands, said they experienced a terrifying journey while attempting to travel from Comoros to Mayotte Island in search of safety and better living conditions.
One of the survivors, Mr Daniel Manda, a Congolese national who travelled from Uganda, said their journey turned tragic after the boat’s engine developed a fault while in the Indian Ocean, leaving them at the mercy of waves and strong winds.
“The machine developed a fault, causing the boat to lose direction. The wind and water carried us off course until we eventually found ourselves in Mafia,” he narrated.
Mr Manda said some passengers died due to hunger and exhaustion, while others drowned after the boat became unstable and passengers fell into the sea.
“We were many when we left Comoros, but I witnessed my fellow passengers dying. Some people lost their parents, others lost their husbands, while some lost their children,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian authorities for rescuing and providing assistance to the survivors, saying he hoped to remain in Tanzania because returning to the DRC would expose him to insecurity.
“I thank the government for receiving us well and taking care of us. I do not wish to return to Congo because there is no peace and I may be killed. I hope to receive protection and remain here in Tanzania,” Mr Manda said.
he survivors were rescued on July 22 at Kungwi Village, Baleni Ward, after their unregistered H40 boat, fitted with a Yamaha engine, failed to complete the journey to Mayotte Island.
Speaking in her office, Mafia District Commissioner (DC) Ms Aziza Mangosongo said the vessel left Comoros with 36 passengers on board, but mechanical failure during the voyage led to the deaths of 14 people.
She said the passengers were heading to Mayotte Island, a French overseas territory, with the intention of continuing their journey to France.
“The passengers were fleeing unrest in their home countries and looking for better lives in Europe,” Ms Mangosongo said.
She added that the District Disaster Team, in collaboration with other stakeholders, immediately responded by providing food, clothing and medical assistance to the survivors.
Of the 22 rescued passengers, nine are men, eight are women and five are children three boys and two girls. They are currently receiving treatment at Kilindoni District Hospital.