MWANZA, TANZANIA; In a significant move aimed at enhancing water safety and emergency response on Lake Victoria, Tanzania has taken delivery of two state-of-the-art search and rescue boats alongside a fully equipped medical vessel.
The high-speed crafts, constructed by Turkish engineering firm Loça Mühendislik, recently arrived at the Port of Dar es Salaam. The vessels mark a strategic milestone under the country’s broader efforts to improve inland waterway safety, particularly within the Lake Victoria corridor, a critical hub for transport, trade, and fishing.
Speaking during the reception of the vessels, Mha Saidi Kaheneko, Acting Manager of Registration and Inspection for Water Transport Vehicles, emphasized the transformative impact of the investment.
“These fast-response boats are designed to strengthen our search and rescue capabilities, drastically improving how we manage waterborne emergencies,” said Kaheneko, on behalf of the Tanzania Shipping Agency’s Director General.
The rescue units are now being transported to Mwanza region, where they will be deployed to bolster rapid response in maritime incidents, including capsizing and medical emergencies across Lake Victoria. With their high-speed capabilities, these boats are expected to reduce response time significantly, protecting both lives and livelihoods on one of Africa’s most vital inland lakes.
Earlier in the month, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda inspected the new Rescue and Medical Ship, a multi-role vessel developed under the Lake Victoria Regional Transport and Communications Project, a cross-border initiative between Tanzania and Uganda. The Commissioner lauded the government’s proactive stance on lake safety and praised President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing investments in maritime infrastructure.
“This initiative will ensure citizens engaged in travel, fishing, and commerce across Lake Victoria can do so more safely,” Hon. Mtanda stated. “Beyond rescue, the medical boat will serve as a floating clinic, providing critical care en-route to shore-based facilities.”
According to Captain Grayson Mwarwa, the medical vessel is equipped to stabilize and treat up to 16 patients simultaneously, accommodating four on emergency beds while administering treatment to 12 others. The vessel also carries onboard oxygen supply systems, making it a crucial link between lake emergencies and onshore hospitals.
Commenting on the development, Felix Irimba, a certified marine surveyor with Observater Surveys and Services Ltd, emphasized the importance of integrating modern safety infrastructure with training and compliance. “These vessels are not just about speed, they’re about readiness. For a region like Lake Victoria, this represents a step toward international maritime safety standards. It’s encouraging to see Tanzania prioritizing both emergency response and long-term risk reduction,” said Irimba
The deployment of these vessels marks a critical evolution in Tanzania’s inland water transport safety framework. It also underscores the nation’s commitment to regional cooperation and the sustainable use of Lake Victoria, a waterway shared by over 30 million people across East Africa.
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