Kenyan Sailor Killed As Ship Sinks Off Tanzania

A ship sank in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania killing one Kenyan Sailor but 18 others were rescued, according to a maritime official. Andrew Mwangura, the program coordinator of the Seafarers Association said the MV First Carrier, registered in the Caribbeanand based in Kenyan port city of Mombasa, was destined for Dar es Salaam from the Comoros islands when it went down. Mwangura said the deceased Mohamed Poda, 54 sank as the cargo vessel which had full and empty containers on board was bound for Tanzania. "The ship had 19 passengers including the deceased all Kenyans and Tanzanians. But the cause of the sinking is not known. The 18 other crew members are safe," said Mwangura by telephone. According to Mwangura, the vessel is a sister ship to MV Ramora Bay Acor and Benta Daniel, which sank off the coast of Mozambique in 1999. At least 68 seafarers have died in Indian Ocean shipping accidents for about two decades ago, said Mwangura. "Arrangements are being made to fly the body home. I have contacted the deceased family in Mombasa," he said without saying when the body is due home.