Kassim was reportedly on board the ship in order to take food relief to the families in need in the region. 

The ferry, the MV Spice Islander, capsized during a trip around the three islands that make up Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago.

The ship was carrying about 1,300 passengers beyond its recommended capacity, in addition to cargo that included cars and building materials. 500 passengers have reportedly survived while 500 of them have gone missing and nearly 300 others have lost their lives. 

Officials from the semi-autonomous Zanzibar island noted that the ship sank because it was filled beyond capacity. Search and rescue teams and divers were sent from the neighboring countries to join the rescue efforts. Teams from the IHH and Muzdalifah, IHH's partner in the region, also rushed to the area to join the rescue efforts. Offering their thanks to the IHH teams, Tanzanian officials said they are grateful to the IHH and Muzdalifah for their efforts in the region. 

Members from the IHH aid teams in the region noted that people who lost their relatives and belongings in the accident are in a very difficult situation, adding that relief efforts were still in progress in the area.