Lake Victoria Boat Accident: Death Toll Rises

The boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods, and silver fish, among other items

At least three more bodies of victims of a boat accident have been found in Lake Victoria.

This brings to 23 the confirmed death toll since a boat capsized on the lake in the wee hours of Wednesday.

“We have discovered another three bodies, which will soon be brought to the mainland in Kasenyi,” said Steven Kavuma, the local chairman of Kyamuswa sub-county, Entebbe on Thursday morning.

At least 34 people were on board a commercial boat when it capsized.

The incident occurred at around 5:00am.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police had recovered only 20 bodies.

Police also recorded nine survivors.

This means two passengers are still unaccounted for.

The boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods, and silver fish, among others.

“The cause of the accident is attributed to overloading and bad weather,” said police in a statement on Wednesday.

“Rescue efforts are underway with teams from the Police Marines, UPDF Fisheries Protection Unit, and local community on the waters trying to locate the missing people,” said the law enforcement body.

“We appeal to members of the public who travel on waters to always wear life jackets and not overload their vessels.”