Yet another ferry disaster

Two weeks ago, a  ferry travelling from the mainland sank as it was nearing our island. There was very high winds that day, and when a larger ferry passed too closely by the smaller one, it was overturned in the wake.  Around three hundred people were trapped inside, and died. About one hundred and fifty people were saved alive.
Rescue vessels did not arrive at the accident until two hours after it happened, despite it being very near- even within sight- of the harbor. Fishing boats and other small vessels were among the first responders, who were able to rescue many survivors.

It is another disaster, due to carelessness and greed, much like the ferry that sank last year in September. That accident was even worse, with over two thousand people drowning en route to a neighboring island. It was overloaded to the max, and not able to navigate the strong current that day.

This recent accident involved a ferry which was very old- it had been retired as unseaworthy from Washington state, sold, transported to Tanzania, modified with another deck so as to carry more people/cargo, and used for several years to ferry people from the mainland to the island.

And there is no compensation to the survivors or relatives of the victims from the owners of the ferries. There is no consequences to the port authorities, or the captains, or the ferry owners. Other than a few officials stepped down from their posts. ouch, right? It is sickening, literally.

 Bob went with a good friend of his to the place where the corpses were brought, to try find two of his relatives. They were never found. After a few days, they had a funeral for them.
The bodies of many little children were there. No one could even identify many of them. But this I know, that Jesus knows them perfectly, and He welcomed them into His arms that day.

This is another reminder to us of the urgency of our message. No one knows which day will be his last, for we all must go the way of all the earth. But that each man would go in peace, and in assurance, of his final destination!- and not live in fear, and uncertainty, as do so many of our neighbors. Lord, may the Good News go forth, throughout this island, and be received by many accepting hearts!