By Alfred Zacharia
The Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, has announced that efforts to rescue fishermen trapped in Lake Rukwa following a deadly storm are ongoing.
As of January 25, 2025, at 3:00 PM, the bodies of eight fishermen have been recovered.
Speaking from Nankanga village, Bashungwa, accompanied by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Edwin Mhede, offered condolences to the affected families.
He confirmed that the storm, which struck on January 23, 2025, affected 550 fishermen.
Rescue teams successfully saved 540, but the fate of seven fishermen remains grim as their bodies have now been recovered.
“Despite the remarkable success of rescuing 540 of our brothers, it is unfortunate that we have lost seven of them.
According to the latest reports from the rescue teams still working tirelessly on the lake, their bodies have been recovered,” Bashungwa said.
The rescue operation is being led by the Commissioner General of the Fire and Rescue Force, CGF John Masunga, who is coordinating efforts using a helicopter.
The task force includes 19 rescue boats and a team of officers working hand-in-hand with local residents.
Bashungwa called on the public to heed weather updates provided by the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), emphasizing that the government, under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has equipped the agency with modern tools to issue accurate and timely weather warnings.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the capacity of the Fire and Rescue Force.
Recent upgrades include a rescue and firefighting helicopter, 150 fire trucks, 40 ambulances, and 23 firefighting and rescue boats to enhance the force’s operational efficiency.
CGF Masunga assured the public that the operation would continue until all fishermen are accounted for. “Our goal is to ensure that every fisherman who was on the lake is found, whether alive or, sadly, deceased.
The operation is progressing well, and additional specialized rescue teams from Dar es Salaam are en route to provide support,” he said.
Sumbawanga District Commissioner Nyakia Chirukile reported that the identification of the recovered bodies is taking place at the Nankanga village clinic to facilitate burial arrangements.
Nankanga Ward Councilor, Anyisile Kayuni, expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her prompt response and care.
He thanked the President for deploying ministers and specialized teams to oversee the rescue operation and coordinate other necessary interventions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to weather forecasts and preparedness measures, particularly for communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.
