NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has confirmed that a Kenyan-flagged vessel, MV Sea Mfalme, has been detained by authorities in Tanzania, with efforts underway to resolve the situation.
In a statement issued Thursday, KMA Director General Omae Nyarandi said the matter is under active review, with Kenyan authorities engaging their Tanzanian counterparts to establish the circumstances surrounding the detention.
“The Kenya Maritime Authority acknowledges reports regarding the detention of a Kenyan-flagged vessel, MV Sea Mfalme, in the United Republic of Tanzania,” Nyarandi said. “The matter is currently under review… to verify the circumstances and facilitate appropriate follow-up actions.”
He added that the situation is being handled through established intergovernmental and regulatory frameworks, assuring stakeholders that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
The development follows concerns raised by the Seafarers Union of Kenya (SUK), which called on the government to urgently intervene over the detention of both the vessel and its crew.
Speaking earlier this week, SUK Secretary General Atie Ramadhan said nine Kenyan seafarers have been held in Tanzania since March 30, after the vessel reportedly departed Mombasa on March 14.
“There are nine of our seafarers who have been detained… and up to now, we do not know their condition. We would like this matter to be addressed,” she said.
The union urged Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Joho to intervene and secure the release of the crew.
KMA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Kenya’s ship registry and ensuring compliance with international maritime standards, even as diplomatic and regulatory engagements continue.
