Body retrieved in Lake Victoria following boat tragedy

Another body of the five fishermen who drowned after their boat capsized in Lake Victoria, Budalang’i Constituency was on Saturday night retrieved as the search for the missing one intensified.

The body was retrieved by local divers who have camped at Magombe since Friday.

According to Samia OCPD Mary Kiarie, the retrieved body was said to be of a Ugandan man whose identity was yet to be identified.

“The search for the remaining body, a resident of Butula Sub-county, is on-going. Those already recovered as by Saturday night are residents from Magombe in Bunyala South, Butula and Mumias respectively,” said Ms Kiarie in a phone interview.

This brings the number of bodies retrieved to four.

The search for the bodies received major boost after Chief officer (office of the governor) in charge of Disaster Management Ezekiel Okwach gave out Sh5,000 for purchase of fuel to be used by the divers.

Magombe Beach Management Unit Secretary Joachim Onyango said Mr Okwach visited the area on Saturday to condole with bereaved families who have pitched camp at Magombe.

“He gave out Sh20, 000 for provision of food to the rescue teams, relatives and friends of the remaining bodies who have pitched camp at the beach,” said Mr Onyango.

Mr Onyango added that the county official promised to meet Governor Sospeter Ojaamong on Monday for a briefing on same.

The ill-fated boat, carrying 18 people, capsised a few kilometres from Nandekhe fishing village en route to Musoma on Thursday night following heavy winds.

Shockingly all women in the boat survived the accident. They were rescued after the male passengers advised them to hold firm onto the sides of the boat.