The Tanzanian authorities have confirmed that the MV Nyerere ferry has sunk in Lake Victoria, but they are not yet talking about casualty figures, BBC reports.
Hundreds of passengers were believed to have been on board.
Regional Commissioner Adam Malima told journalists that the navy and police were travelling to the scene to see what could be done.
“We have to go and join the rescue efforts and save lives,” he said. “We don’t know the current status we are going to assess first what we will do, then later we shall give an official position.
“We pray to God to give us hope in such an accident. We pray to God to give us hope that there has not been a high death toll.”
The MV Nyerere was travelling between Ukora and Bugolora.
