Nine Kenyan seafarers remain stranded in Kilwa, Tanzania, after authorities impounded their fishing vessel on March 30 over alleged human trafficking.
However, Tanzanian authorities have yet to publicly disclose whether any trafficking victims were found onboard.
Family sources said the vessel had departed from Kenya before it was intercepted while carrying people of different nationalities, including 10 women, one child and 50 men.
Families seek government intervention
Marim Shee, whose husband Said Juma is among those being held, said the prolonged detention has left families in distress because many of the men were sole breadwinners.
“We are suffering; we do not know what to do. We are asking the government to intervene and rescue my husband and others who have been in custody without being charged since late last month,” Ms Shee said.
Vessel remains docked in Kilwa
The vessel, FV Sea Mfalme, was built in 1988 and sails under the Kenyan flag.
According to vessel tracking platform VesselFinder, the fishing vessel is 84 metres long, has a beam of 8 metres and a summer deadweight capacity of 483 tonnes. It is currently docked at Kilwa Masoko.
The Kenya Maritime Authority confirmed that the Kenyan-flagged vessel had been detained in Tanzania.
In a statement issued on April 16, Director General Omae Nyarandi said the authority had begun reviewing the matter but did not provide details on the reasons behind the detention.
“KMA acknowledges reports regarding the detention of a Kenyan-flagged vessel in Tanzania,” the statement said.
The authority added that it was working with relevant agencies in Kenya and Tanzanian counterparts to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“KMA reaffirms its mandate to regulate and oversee maritime affairs in Kenya, including safeguarding the credibility of the national ship registry and ensuring compliance with international maritime standards,” Mr Nyarandi said.
The Seafarers Union of Kenya said the detention followed allegations of human trafficking, although Tanzanian authorities have not formally charged the crew in court.
SUK Secretary-General Atie Ramadhan said the lack of communication had heightened anxiety among families in Kenya.
“Maritime workers often rely on government intervention in such cases to navigate complex international legal systems. Families of the stranded seafarers are anxiously awaiting feedback as efforts intensify to secure their safe return home,” Ms Ramadhan said.
She noted that because the vessel sailed under the Kenyan flag and departed from Kenya, it should have undergone proper pre-departure inspections.
“I appeal to the government to ensure the safe return of the seafarers. If anyone is culpable, the law should take its course,” she said.
The union has also urged KMA to summon the vessel owners and enforce labour standards, describing the incident as a national embarrassment at a time when Kenya is promoting maritime growth and the blue economy.
