Six feared dead as boat capsizes in Bunda

MARA: AT LEAST six people are feared dead following a marine accident that occurred over on Saturday around 7:30 pm at Bulomba Ward, Bunda District, Mara Region, on Lake Victoria.

According to Bunda District Commissioner Dr Vicent Naano, the accident involved villagers from Bulomba who were returning home from a wedding ceremony in Ilamba Ward, also on the lake.

The initial cause of the accident was determined to be the vessel being overloaded. The fishing boat that was hired and designed to carry between six to ten passengers, had about 20 people onboard.

Additionally, the boat was not equipped with extra safety gears and it was not authorised to carry passengers.

The boat capsized approximately 40 metres to its destination. One body as a woman, was recovered shortly after the accident.

DC Naano explained that the boat’s overload led to leaking and also as a result of its age and poor condition, ultimately causing it to capsize.

Rescue efforts are underway, with additional personnel arriving from Mwanza Region to assist.

Two boats had been hired for the wedding ceremony, however, the boat carrying the bride safely arrived at its destination.

ALSO READ: 11 killed, 44 hurt in Mbeya deadly road crash

In the course, the captain of the boat that capsized is now on the run.  Dr Naano has ordered the arrest of the boats’ captains and proprietors.

“They must be arrested immediately to face charges including violations of marine laws, as transporting passengers on such vessels is strictly prohibited,” he said.

Dr Naano also urged residents of Lake Victoria islands to use official passenger boats, which are available at all beaches.