Rescue teams are still tirelessly searching for six individuals who went missing after two separate boat accidents on Lake Victoria.
The first tragic incident involved an overloaded boat named “kinaala,” which overturned and sank while ferrying passengers and cargo from Kisaba to Katosi.
According to survivors, the boat’s engine failed near Kimi landing site, leading to the disaster. Eliphaz Jjumba, one of the survivors, recounted the harrowing experience, mentioning that the boat was taking on more passengers and cargo than it could handle.
The exact number of people on board remains unknown, but five individuals who had embarked on the journey from Kisaba are still unaccounted for.
The ill-fated boat was also carrying a significant load of 100 sacks of charcoal, 50 sacks of rice, and 50 sacks of silver fish (Mukene).
Another survivor, Alice Nakiwala, bravely clung to the sinking boat, desperately calling for help until a compassionate fisherman rescued her from the perilous situation.
The search and rescue operations, a joint effort between marine police divers and local fishermen, are ongoing as they tirelessly scour the vast waters of Lake Victoria.
In a separate incident, a boat traveling from Kasi islands to Katosi faced a similar fate, resulting in the tragic drowning of an unidentified woman. The boat, burdened by overloading and unfavorable weather conditions, capsized, leaving the woman unable to survive.
However, a quick response from nearby fishmongers led to the successful rescue of a man who was also on board.
Authorities strongly emphasize the risks associated with water transport during this period, cautioning against travel between March and August due to the lake’s strong winds, turbulent waves, and unpredictable currents, which become even more treacherous after sunset.