TASAC rescue boat conducts trials on the lake Tanganyika

KIGOMA: OPERATORS of small marine vessels and cargo handlers at the Kigodeko landing site on Lake Tanganyika have said the availability of a search and rescue boat on the lake will help save the lives of passengers and seafarers whenever accidents occur on the water.

The operators made the remarks after the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) conducted trials of a second rescue boat on the lake in Kigoma Region, a move that has restored hope among users of water transport services.

“The arrival of a search and rescue boat on this lake has brought new hope to passenger and cargo transporters. The lake is vast, and when accidents occur we often face great difficulty in finding a rescue vessel. Now that one is available, we are very happy,” said transporter Saidi Muhomi.

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Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of TASAC in Kigoma Region, Adam Mamiro, said the boat will be a major asset not only to Kigoma residents but also to neighboring regions of Rukwa and Katavi.

For his part, TASAC Senior Officer for Inspection and Registration, Grayson Marwa, noted that the boat is equipped with modern facilities that will enable authorities to quickly identify the location of incidents on the water and deliver emergency services in a timely manner.

TASAC II is the second rescue boat to be tested on Lake Tanganyika, following earlier trials of a similar vessel at the Port of Tanga.