Seven still missing from Lake Baringo boat mishap
Seven people are still missing following Sunday’s incident where a boat carrying 19 people capsised at Lake Baringo.
One person was rescued following the 12pm mishap but later succumbed while receiving first aid.
Rescue teams comprising Marine Police, Coast Guard, County Government officials, Kenya Red Cross and the local community divers were yesterday in frantic search for the missing individuals.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi said the rescue operation was suspended on Sunday evening due to the persisting strong tides.
“In response to this crisis, a multi-agency effort has been mobilized, with search and rescue operations currently underway. These efforts are ongoing despite the challenging conditions of heavy currents as a result of heavy downpour,” said Cheboi.
“Seven individuals remain missing at this time. Our hearts and prayers go out to all those affected by this distressing event,” added the county boss.
Community members
He said the tragic accident involved a group of community members from Salabani in Baringo South who were headed for a church service in Kokwa Island.
According to preliminary reports, their boat capsized approximately six kilometers offshore towards Kokwa Island due to strong tides.
Out of the 19 individuals onboard, 11 have been successfully rescued, while one person died, according to a police report.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu said the deceased person was rescued but later succumbed while receiving first aid.
He said the ill-fated boat was carrying a group of youth from Salabani in Baringo South for a church service at Kokwo Island.
Kiragu yesterday cautioned institutions and other people touring the lake to ensure they have a tour guide to avert more disasters.
Cases of people drowning at the lake have been on the rise in the recent past with two students from a polytechnic in Nakuru County drowning recently.
The deceased had accompanied their teachers and 24 colleagues on an academic tour at the lake. Initial investigations revealed that while at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) which is at the shores of the Lake, the students decided to swim when one of the students slipped and fell back into the swollen lake
