Lake Victoria: 25 Confirmed Dead As Overloaded Boat Overturns Due To Bad Weather

• Fishermen from neighbouring shores said the ill-fated boat was transporting 34 passengers and cargo from Lwanabatya Landing Site
• Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango said overloading and bad weather conditions caused the accident
• Lawrence Kiiza, a survivor, said he knew they would capsize after the captain, who was struggling to control the boat, shouted that they were sinking

An evening marine accident on Lake Victoria has claimed 25 out of the 34 passengers on board a large vessel.

Rescuers drawn from various government agencies are still searching for the bodies of victims, with only nine rescued alive.

Daily Monitor reported that fishermen from neighbouring shores said the ill-fated boat was transporting 34 passengers and cargo from Lwanabatya Landing Site in Kalangala District.

The boat was also ferrying a large consignment that included several bags of charcoal, fresh foods and silverfish.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango said overloading and bad weather conditions were to blame for one of the worst tragedies in recent times.

"The number of people on board are allegedly to be 34. The boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods, silver fish, among others. The cause of accident is attributed to overloading and bad weather," he said in a statement.

Survivor recalls moments before tragedy

Lawrence Kiiza, a survivor of the accident, said he knew they were headed for tragedy when the captain shouted that they were about to sink.

Kizza explained that fellow travellers didn't have life- jackets on, and those who had them were of low quality and could not save them.

"It is true the boat was overloaded. I reached a point and realised that we were headed for disaster when the skipper shouted that the boat was sinking. I was already praying to God to save us, but unfortunately, it is only a few lucky ones who survived," he recounted.

The boat is said to have run into a strong windstorm as the captain struggled to maintain control. The winds reportedly dragged it off course.

Onyango appealed to travellers to ensure they have their life jackets on to help in such situations and desist from overloading crafts.

"We appeal to members of the public who travel on the waters to always wear life jackets and not to overload their vessels," Onyango added.

2 police officers missing after boat capsizes

In a separate report, at least two police officers were said to be among three people missing after a boat capsized in Lake Victoria.

According to a police report seen by TUKO.co.ke, the accident occurred on the night of Friday, March 24, 2023, in Nyatike South sub-county, Migori county.