Five fishermen have tragically lost their lives after their boat capsized on Lake Victoria in the Dho Goye area of Usigu Sub-County on Sunday evening.
The fishing boat, carrying seven fishermen, was reportedly overwhelmed by strong winds and rough waters, causing it to overturn. One fisherman survived by clinging to the overturned vessel until rescued, while two bodies have been recovered and taken to the Got Agulu Sub-County Hospital mortuary. Three others remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Local authorities and the Beach Management Unit teams have launched extensive recovery efforts, combing the lake for the missing fishermen. Residents expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a major blow to the local fishing community, which depends heavily on Lake Victoria for livelihoods.
The tragedy has reignited discussions about the persistent safety challenges faced by fishermen, including unpredictable weather, overcrowded boats, and lack of life jackets or safety equipment.
Community leaders are urging the government to implement stricter regulations and safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This latest accident adds to a string of fatal boating incidents on Lake Victoria in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for awareness campaigns and emergency response improvements for the thousands of families who rely on fishing for survival.
