Four Charged In Deadly Tanzania Ferry Accident

Posted September 17th, 2011 at 6:33 am (UTC-5)
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Zanzibar prosecutors have charged four people with negligence in connection with last Saturday's ferry accident in the Indian Ocean that killed more than 200 people.

The ferry, the MV Spice Islander, capsized during a trip around the three islands that make up Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago.

Prosecutors charged the boat's captain, Abdallah Kinyanyite, in absentia because he is still missing and authorities are not sure if he survived the accident.

The other three people facing charges are the boat's first officer, Abdallah Mohamed Ali, the boat's owner, Yusuf Suleiman Jussa, and a Zanzibar official responsible for passenger inspection, Silima Nyange Silima.

The ship was carrying about 200 passengers more than its recommended capacity, in addition to cargo that included cars and building materials. Officials say 600 people were rescued.

On Friday, search crews, including navy divers, ended the search for additional victims.

The death toll stands at 203.