Déjà Vu: Ferry Sinks Off Zanzibar Coast [UPDATED]

Update 2: 38 Confirmed Killed, 100 More Missing in Latest Ferry Sinking

Update 1: At least 24 people have been killed and dozens more missing according to BBC.

Original: A ferry carrying more than 280 has capsized off the coast of Zanzibar on Wednesday but officials have not yet been able to determine whether anyone has been killed.

The ferry, M/V Salama M/V Skagit, capsized while traveling from Dar-es-Salaam located on mainland Tanzania to the archipelago of Zanzibar around midday. It is unclear if the vessel has sunk or if is “bottom side up,” as one official told Reuters.

The ferry reportedly was carrying 250 adults and more than 30 children.

The cause of the accident is unknown but bystanders report unusually high waves and rough weather conditions, according to a release by the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam.  The ferry is operated by Seagull.

In September a severely overcrowded ferry capsized and sank off the coast of Tanzania, killing as many as 200 people.

Updated: July 19, 2012 (Originally published July 18, 2012)

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