Death toll in Homa Bay boat tragedy rises to eight

Another body was yesterday retrieved from Pier Beach following Tuesday’s boat tragedy in Lake Victoria, Homa Bay county.

The discovery brings the death toll to eight after seven bodies were retrieved between Tuesday and Wednesday.

At least eight people were rescued and rushed to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital for treatment. Six people have so far been discharged while two are still undergoing treatment.

The ill-fated boat was reported to have about 16 passengers on board. 

However, according coxswain Felix Ouma, a survivor, there were 19 people on board. 

“Boat was hit by strong wind before it overturned. Immediately water weeds engulfed the vessel blocking rescuers,” he said.

Passengers were from Homa Bay Pier beach en route to Ndhuru beach in Suba North constituency before the boat capsized.

Among the occupants was a group of worshippers, who were headed to Ndhuru beach for a prayer meeting.

County Commissioner Moses Lilan said the search exercise will continue until all passengers who perished in the accident are accounted for.

Meanwhile, a section on lawmakers from Nyanza region called on the government to reinforce measures to enhance safety in the lake transport. 

Yesterday, MPs Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and Dr Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), who toured the accident scene promised to push the National government to tighten regulations in a bid improve safety measures in Lake Victoria.

Kaluma argued that such centres will be critical in enhancing speed of saving lives.