TANZANIA: Holy Father Pope Francis Send Condolences to Bereaved Families Following a Tragic Ferry Accident in Lake Victoria
POPE-AUDIENCE-MASS-SILENCE
The Holy Father Pope Francis has expressed heartfelt solidarity with the families mourning the loss of their loved ones, following the tragic ferry accident in Ukerewe, Lake Victoria near Ukara Island.
According to media reports, the accident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday September 20 when the ferry MV Nyerere which was travelling from Bugolora to Ukara capsized and sank in Lake Victoria.
In a message sent on his behalf by the Vatican Secretary of State His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin to the Apostolic Nuncio of Tanzania His Excellency Most Rev. Most Rev. Marek Solczynski, Pope Francis expressed sadness upon learning of the tragedy and expresses “his heartfelt solidarity with those who mourn as well as those who fear for the lives of those still missing.”
He invokes the Divine Blessings of strength and consolation upon all those affected, and offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel in their ongoing rescue efforts.
At least 136 bodies are reported to have been retrieved as rescue operations continues. It is alleged that the ferry was overloaded with passengers and goods. The exact number of passengers on board is yet to be known since the person dispensing tickets is also reported to have drowned with the machine recording the data.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
