Ministry of Transport and Public Works has confirmed the sinking of Motor Vessel (MV) Mtendere at Monkey Bay Harbour in Mangochi District.
According to a Public Statement released on 29th September 2026, the vessel, which is under Malawi Lake Services (MLS) Limited, sank on 28th September 2026 while anchored at the harbour.
The Ministry says MV Mtendere was commissioned in 1980 and operated as a passenger and cargo vessel on Lake Malawi.
The vessel ceased operating on its scheduled routes in 2002 and was subsequently decommissioned.
The Ministry says, during its operational life, the Ministry says the vessel faced a number of operational and financial challenges, including high fuel and maintenance costs.
For instance, the vessel consumed approximately 10,000 litres of fuel and 250 litres of lubricating oil on a round trip between Monkey Bay and Chilumba, which contributed to its withdrawal from service.
The Ministry says it has instituted investigations in collaboration with the Malawi Police Service to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, and will provide further information as and when verified findings become available.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has assured the nation that the process of disposing of MV Mtendere, together with other idle and decommissioned vessels including MV Nkhwazi, MV Mpasa, and MV Mcheni, is already underway in accordance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDA) Act.
By Chifundo Mota
