Ramadhan Nassib from the Directorate of Public Prosecution says the owner of the M.V. Spice Islander ferry, the first officer, and an employee of the Zanzibar Ports Authority violated the Maritime Act.

The captain, who is still missing, was charged in absentia.

The ferry sank at night in an area of deep seas and strong currents a week ago.

More than 800 people survived by clinging onto pieces of wood or crowding onto lifeboats. It’s unclear how many passengers were aboard.

The suspects were not allowed to enter a plea after the charges were read out late on Friday.