By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: The MV Serengeti, a 36-year-old passenger and cargo vessel owned by Tanzania's Marine Services Company Limited (Tashico), capsized and partially sank at Mwanza South Port late on December 26, 2024.
The accident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m., with the vessel tipping at the stern and taking on water.
Tashico’s statement confirmed the incident, noting the ship had been out of active service since 2016 but underwent routine inspections. Divers and recovery teams are currently working to lift the vessel for a comprehensive investigation.
The MV Serengeti, built in 1988, measures 55.6 meters in length and can carry up to 593 passengers and 350 tons of cargo. Its sinking marks the second such incident involving a Tashico vessel this year, following the May 19 capsizing of the MV Clarias at Mwanza North Port.
Both vessels were docked at the time of their accidents, raising pressing questions about maintenance standards, structural integrity, and oversight in Tanzania’s marine transport sector.
This string of accidents reflects deeper issues that go beyond isolated mechanical failures. Tanzania's marine industry has long been haunted by aging infrastructure and underinvestment in modern safety systems.
Acting Tashico CEO Alphonce Sebukoto admitted the company is grappling with an aging fleet. “Most of our vessels were built decades ago without modern safety features,” he said. “We are now prioritizing upgrades, including installing cameras and early-warning systems to detect potential faults.”
Sebukoto expressed confidence that such improvements would curb incidents of capsizing and sinking. However, questions linger over whether these measures are too little, or too late.
Sebukoto revealed that just three days before the accident, the MV Serengeti had undergone a routine inspection and was deemed seaworthy.
“It’s puzzling how water managed to enter the vessel and cause it to tilt,” he said. “We suspect either unforeseen damage or deliberate sabotage. Once we lift the ship and examine it thoroughly, we’ll know the truth.” He also vowed government action if sabotage is confirmed. “If investigations reveal foul play, those responsible will face legal consequences,” Sebukoto stated.
The incident revives memories of the MV Bukoba disaster in 1996, one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in East Africa's history, where over 800 people perished when the ferry capsized on Lake Victoria.
While that catastrophe sparked public outrage and pledges of sweeping reforms, its lessons seem to have faded with time. Marine transport in Tanzania continues to suffer from chronic neglect, regulatory gaps, and a lack of accountability.
Reflecting on these recurring tragedies, a retired University of Dar es Salaam Vice Chancellor Prof. Rwekaza Mukandala recently stressed the need for urgent systemic changes.
“The MV Bukoba should have been a wake-up call for the entire sector,” he said. “We need a complete overhaul of our maritime safety protocols, from fleet modernization to stricter inspections and advanced training for crew members. The government must invest heavily in technology and enforce stringent standards. Anything less is an invitation for history to repeat itself.”
Prof. Mukandala further emphasized the importance of addressing the broader socio-economic impacts of these disasters.
“Every capsizing represents not just the loss of a vessel but a blow to regional commerce and public trust in our transportation systems,” he said. “Rebuilding confidence requires transparency, accountability, and a commitment to putting safety first.”
As recovery efforts for the MV Serengeti continue, teams from Tashico, the Fire and Rescue Brigade, the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), and the Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (Tasac) are collaborating to lift the vessel from the water.
Said Sekibojo, leader of the Mwanza Fire and Rescue team, reported progress on the operation. “Divers have secured the necessary cables, and we expect to raise the vessel today,” he stated. “Once it’s on dry ground, we’ll conduct a thorough inspection to determine what went wrong.”
The May 2024 sinking of the MV Clarias highlights the pressing need for greater vigilance. That vessel sank due to oversized ventilation holes allowing water to enter—a problem attributed to poor maintenance.
Sebukoto admitted the oversight, noting, “We’ve learned from that incident and are working to prevent such errors.” However, recurring mishaps suggest that lessons are not being applied consistently across the fleet.
Ultimately, the fate of the MV Serengeti underscores the urgent need for reform in Tanzania’s maritime sector. The reliance on outdated vessels and insufficient safety measures has placed lives and livelihoods at risk. As Prof. Mukandala observed, “The price of inaction is far too high. It’s time for decisive leadership to end this cycle of preventable tragedies.”
For the families and communities dependent on Lake Victoria's waterways, the hope remains that this latest incident will serve as a turning point.
Whether the MV Serengeti’s capsizing becomes another footnote in a long history of maritime failures or a catalyst for real change depends on what happens next. The nation now looks to its leaders and stakeholders to deliver on promises and ensure such disasters become relics of the past.