Tanzanian fisherman, Jackson Majaliwa, who was among the first responders at the scene of the plane that crashed into Lake Victoria on Sunday, has been honoured by the Tanzanian government.
According to Eastern Africa, the Kagera Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila, handed over a cash gift of $428 (equivalent of Tsh1 million) to the fisherman from the lakeside town of Bukoba on Monday.
Majaliwa was also offered a job with the firefighting and rescue brigade by the Tanzanian President, Samia Suluhu.
The plane crashed with 43 passengers onboard, including 39 people and four crew members.
One end of the runway at Bukoba airport lies right next to the shores of Lake Victoria.
The plane was flying from Das es Salaam to Bukoba via Mwanza when it reportedly encountered a storm and heavy rain.
It was gathered that the plane belonged to Precision Air.
Precision Air is Tanzania’s largest private airline, partly owned by Kenya Airways.
It was founded in 1993 and runs domestic and regional flights.
The country’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, had expressed condolences to the victims and called for calm as the rescue operation continues.
“I have received with sadness the information of the crash of the Precision Air flight at Lake Victoria, in the Kagera region,” the President posted on her Twitter.
“I send my condolences to all those affected by this incident. Let’s continue to be calm as the rescue operation continues, and we pray to God to help us.”