Fear on Lake Malawi as Vessel Carrying Traders from Tanzania Fails to Arrive in Nkhata Bay

Police in Nkhata Bay have launched a search operation on Lake Malawi after a boat carrying traders returning from Tanzania failed to arrive as scheduled.

According to authorities, the vessel departed from Tanzania last week and was expected to dock at Nkhata Bay Jetty on Saturday. However, it has not been seen since, raising concern among families and local communities.

Deputy Public Relations Officer Devoter Mithi confirmed that the exact number of passengers on board and their identities are still unknown. Preliminary information suggests the traders had hired a boat owned by a man identified only as Mr. Banda from Chikale.

The group is believed to have started their return journey from Tanzania on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the situation has raised further alarm after residents from lakeshore areas of Thotho and Usisya reported seeing goods floating on the water earlier this week. Among the items discovered were bags of flour, beverages, and timber, believed to be part of the cargo carried by the missing vessel.

Following the discovery, police have intensified search efforts across sections of Lake Malawi as they work to determine the fate of the boat and those believed to have been on board.

Authorities say the operation is ongoing, and more details will be released as investigations continue.