By Alfred Zacharia
A total of 540 fishermen who were working on Lake Rukwa have been rescued, while 10 others remain missing following a powerful storm that struck the lake on January 23, 2025, in Sumbawanga District, Rukwa Region.
In response to the crisis, the Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, visited Nankanga Ward, joining the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, to assess the ongoing rescue efforts.
They were accompanied by the Commissioner General of the Fire and Rescue Force, CGF John Masunga, along with a team of diving officers.
Sumbawanga District Commissioner Nyakia Chirukile provided an update on the situation, explaining that on January 23, 2025, a total of 550 fishermen from Nankanga and Mtowisa Wards were caught in the storm while fishing on Lake Rukwa.
The strong winds and rough conditions led to the tragic incident.
DC Chirukile emphasized that rescue operations are being carried out by local residents in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Force. As of 7:00 PM on January 24, 2025, 10 fishermen were still unaccounted for.
Minister Bashungwa, offering his condolences, stated that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, upon receiving the distressing news, promptly dispatched a military helicopter, equipped with divers and specialized rescue equipment, to enhance the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, Minister Dr. Ashatu Kijaji praised the local community for their active participation in the rescue operations and for their support in identifying fishermen who were not registered under recognized groups or companies.
