Statement from Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt On the MV Skagit Passenger Ferry Tragedy

Ambassador Alfonso Lenhardt

On behalf of the American people we express our deepest condolences to the people of Tanzania and all those affected by the tragedy and accident involving the MV Skagit Passenger Ferry which was traveling between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town, Zanzibar on July 18, 2012. 

The United States is committed to assisting the people of Tanzania respond to this tragedy.  We have already donated emergency medical supplies and medical personnel to assist the Zanzibari authorities' relief response. 

We are encouraged by the relief efforts provided by the Government of National Unity to the survivors.  We strongly urge the Tanzanian authorities to develop disaster management planning efforts to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future.