The Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) has dismissed reports that 40 people died after a vessel carrying more than 100 people sank on Lake Tanganyika, saying the incident occurred in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) waters and that rescue efforts were still underway.
In a statement issued on September 25, TASAC’s Kigoma office said reports circulating through social media and some media platforms had wrongly suggested that a vessel travelling from Kigoma to Kalemie in the DRC had sunk with 40 people on board reported dead.
TASAC said the vessel involved was MV MJP, which sank at about 9am on September 23 in the waters near Kabimba Port in the DRC.
The vessel had left Kigoma Port at about 2am on September 22 carrying 492.838 tonnes of mixed cargo, 34 passengers and 15 crew members, according to TASAC.
The authority said it received information about the incident and subsequently established that the vessel had sunk in DRC waters.
“Up to September 25, 2026, 26 passengers and all 15 crew members had been rescued, while efforts to locate other people believed to have been on board were continuing,” TASAC said.
The statement did not provide a confirmed figure for the number of people still missing.
TASAC said it was working with the DRC’s maritime regulatory authorities to establish further details about the incident and monitor the ongoing rescue operation.
The clarification follows reports attributed to ITV Habari and Millard Ayo claiming that a boat carrying more than 100 passengers and cargo had sunk on Lake Tanganyika, with 40 people reportedly killed.
TASAC said such reports could create unnecessary fear and confusion among members of the public and urged media organisations to verify information with relevant government authorities before publishing reports on maritime accidents.
The authority also appealed to the public to rely on official government communication for updates concerning the incident.
TASAC said it would continue providing updates through its official communication channels as more verified information becomes available.