Precision Air crash: President Suluhu rewards hero fisherman with State job
Mr Jackson Majaliwa, a fisherman who rescued passengers from a Precision Air plan that crashed into Lake Victoria on Sunday.
A Tanzanian fisherman who helped rescue 24 passengers when a Precision Air plane crash landed in Lake Victoria has been rewarded with a military job.
In a directive issued on Monday, November 7, 2022, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu instructed that Mr Jackson Majaliwa be recruited into the country's Firefighting and Rescue brigade.
According to Tanzania’s Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, the fisherman has also been awarded 1 million Tanzanian Shillings (Sh52,000). He will also receive additional training in rescue operations in order to sharpen his skills.
Rescuers search for survivors after a Precision Air flight that was carrying 43 people plunged into Lake Victoria as it attempted to land in the lakeside town of Bukoba, on November 6, 2022.
The Premiere was speaking Monday during a requiem mass held in honour of the 19 passengers who died following the plane crash that happened on Sunday, November 7, 2022. Included among the 19 are two Kenyans.
“President Samia has been touched by the courage of this young man and has ordered the interior ministry to recruit him into the Firefighting and Rescue Brigade so that he can be equipped with additional training and expertise in such rescue missions,” stated PM Majaliwa.
“I urge the interior minister to fast-track this directive by collecting all the important details relating to this brave young man as other steps follow.”
The prime minister said the government has also recognised efforts by other fishermen who took part in the rescue operation, adding that plans are underway to improve their lives.
Mr Majaliwa was among first responders at the site of the crash. He narrated how he escaped death by a whisker as he attempted to save the pilots, Captain Buruhani Bubaga and First Officer Peter Odhiambo, who were stuck in the cockpit.
However, as he attempted to rescue the victims, he was injured and and almost died. He was rushed to Kagera Referral Hospital together with 25 injured passengers including a Bukoba Airport employee who was overcome with shock and lost consciousness.
The Prime Minister further announced that the government will foot the bill for the burial of the crash victims.
