AFRICA/TANZANIA - The solidarity of Pope Francis and the Tanzanian Bishops following the ferry accident on Lake Victoria

Dar es Salaam (Agenzia Fides) - "We pray for the deceased to rest in peace and wish the injured a quick recovery. We empathize with the injured and survivors of the accident. We pray that God grants them a quick recovery", says His Exc. Mgr. Gervas John Mwasikwabhila Nyaisonga, Bishop of Mpanda, on behalf of the Episcopal Conference of Tanzania (TEC), in a message of condolence to Tanzanians following the Mv Nyerere ferry accident on September 20th in Lake Victoria. In the message the Bishops acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of fishermen, police officers, scouts, and other rescuers present at the scene of the tragedy.
On September 21, in a telegram signed on his behalf by Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, Pope Francis expressed "his heartfelt solidarity with those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and who fear for the lives of those still missing" and invoked the divine blessings "of strength and consolation upon all those affected" and offered encouragement "to the civil authorities and emergency personnel in their ongoing rescue efforts".
According to the transport minister of Tanzania, 265 people were aboard the ferry when it capsized despite the ferry having a capacity of 100 people. Out of the 224 people who died, 126 were women, 71 men, 17 girls, and 10 boys. 41 people survived the accident. The captain of the ferry has been arrested. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 27/9/2018)

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