ZANZIBAR, Aug. 11 -- ZANZIBAR has launched a new marine safety programme that will use tracking technology to monitor fishing vessels and reduce drowning incidents among fishermen.

The initiative, dubbed “Okoa Mvuvi Zanzibar” (Rescue the Fisher Zanzibar), was announced by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry responsible for Blue Economy, Captain Hamad Bakar Hamad, during a press briefing at his office in Maisara.

Captain Hamad said the programme was introduced in response to the increasing number of marine accidents involving fishermen.

“On average, more than 100 fishermen are involved in drowning incidents each year, with some losing their lives and others losing boats and fishing equipment,” he said.

He sa...