The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has confirmed that a Kenyan-flagged vessel was detained in Tanzania.
In a statement released on Thursday, KMA stated that it is aware that the ship, identified as the MV Sea Mfalme, was detained in Tanzania and that it is collaborating with government agencies in both nations to ascertain the incident and decide on the best course of action.
The authority assured stakeholders that more information will be released as investigations move forward, noting that the problem is being handled within existing intergovernmental and regulatory structures.
KMA Director General Martin Nyarandi said the authority is dedicated to upholding maritime rules and preserving the legitimacy of Kenya’s ship registration.
Initial reports indicated that nine Kenyan seafarers are stranded aboard the ship.
The Standard reported that Tanzanian officials seized the fishing vessel on suspicion of human trafficking, leaving nine Kenyan seafarers stuck in Kilwa, Tanzania, since March 30.
The Seafarers Union of Kenya told the publication that the crew has been detained in harsh circumstances.
The union urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Blue Economy to interact with Tanzanian authorities and enable the seafarers’ safe return.
The vessel had left Mombasa on March 14 before being detained.
Families of the detained crew have also expressed concern for their welfare, claiming that the extended imprisonment has created emotional and financial hardship.
Leave a Reply