Captain Died in Capsized Vessel

Mwiny Sadalla

The captain of mv Spice Islander that capsized on September 10 last year in Nungwi waters off Zanzibar died while struggling to prevent the vessel from sinking, Zanzibar Trade Unions Congress (ZATUC) has said.

ZATUC head Mwinyi Mohammed Khamis revealed this while briefing the press on major events that took place in the isles in 2011 at the congress’ headquarters at Kikwajuni in Zanzibar.

He said according to reports from the Zanzibar seamen association, the mv Spice Islander’s caption Said Kinyenyete apparently refused to leave the sinking vessel, even though he could easily have done so.

The ZATUC report comes amid police efforts trying to trace the whereabouts of the captain of the ill-fated ship which capsized killing 203 persons. Some 619 others were saved but at least 2,764 people are still missing.

Additionally, ZATUC faulted Zanzibar government for its decision to set up a probe commission instead of first taking to task officials and the leadership of the sea transport sector for the accident.

He said according to labour laws the government was required to send on mandatory leave all implicated officials or take them to task to pave the way to facilitate a proper investigation into the accident.

“The minister and his close advisers were required to go on mandatory leave or be served with disciplinary action to facilitate the work of the probe commission into the accident.”

Taking into account labour laws and the principle of good governance, it was impossible for the commission to operate effectively while the officials who were in-charge of the sea transport sector went on with business as usual, he said.

“The government formed a probe commission before directing the officials concerned to go on mandatory leave as required by labour laws and the principle of good governance.”

He said the vessel sank as a result of overloading with passengers and cargo, adding that despite existence of sea transport rules and regulations, there was poor or lack of supervision in the sector altogether.

Meanwhile, ZATUC has resolved to erect a monument to remind the nation of the tragic accident. “Preparations are also underway in that respect and we are going to hold special prayers for those who died in the accident.”

The probe committee has handed over its report to Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohmmed Shein.

The 600 passenger and 500 tonne capacity ship was 58.15 metres long and 11.4 metres wide. It went down 300 metres in Zanzibar’s Nungwi waters.

Source: Guardian