A cargo Marine Vessel with five crew members goes missing in the Indian Ocean

DAR ES SALAAM: The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has clarified on the missing of a privately owned cargo marine vessel named “MV TAWAKAL III” in the Tanzanian waters of the Indian Ocean.

According to a press statement released by TASAC, MV TAWAKAL III went missing since April 20, 2024.

The ship, registered with the Zanzibar Maritime Authority (ZMA) under number Z-1430, departed Kilwa Kivinje Port at 7:00 AM on April 19 and was expected to arrive at Malindi Port in Zanzibar by 8:00 AM the next day.

“We regret to inform the public about the unfortunate incident involving the disappearance of the cargo vessel, MV TAWAKAL III. On April 20, 2024, TASAC received a distressing report via the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) regarding the missing vessel,” The press document read in part.

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The 17-meter ship carried a crew of five Tanzanian sailors and 65 tons of timber cargo, with no passengers on board.

TASAC went on to clarify that upon receiving a report on April 20 at 11:00 PM, immediately coordinating a search effort with MRCC. Also various Tanzanian government authorities and stakeholders have been notified in such efforts of trying to locate the missing vessel have been contacted to cement on research efforts.

Additionally, neighboring countries Kenya and the Comoros Islands, where the ship could have drifted due to strong currents, have been notified.

As of April 23, there have been no signs of the “MV TAWAKAL III” or its crew. TASAC has pledged to keep the public informed of any developments and is urging anyone with information to contact the MRCC at the toll-free number +255 80 011 0101 or email mrccdar@tasac.go.tz. The search for the missing ship and its crew is ongoing.