Search for bodies of Lake Victoria boat accident victims begins

Survivors of the boat tragedy that occurred near Lihunda beach in Siaya County

Search for the bodies of nine members of Boyieta Wuod Awasi band who drowned in the Saturday boat tragedy will start this morning.

Bondo Assistant County Commissioner Gerald Mutuku said a joint committee comprising of the Kenya Maritime Authority, department of Fisheries and the county and national governments had been formed to search for the bodies.

“We understand that ordinarily the bodies can only start floating after a period of three days or so but as a Government, we cannot wait for all those days,” said Mr Mutuku.

Mutuku added that at least five boats will be used in the operation, plus a budget that will cater for the welfare of the families and survivors of the tragedy.

“We are going to erect a tent that will serve as a shelter for the families and also provide food until all the bodies shall have been found. We are also in consultation with various departments in order to see how we can get divers,” he said.

SIGH OF RELIEF

Eight survivors and kin of musicians who drowned spent Saturday night in the cold as they waited for the search of the bodies to begin.

One of the survivors, Nicholas Ochieng’, told The Standard that tradition demands that survivors of any accident in the lake camp by the shores until the bodies of those who drown are recovered.

“We are not going to leave this place until all the nine bodies are retrieved,” said Mr Ochieng.

There was a sigh of relief yesterday after the leader of the local band assured his fans that he was still alive and in good health.

“It is very unfortunate that we have lost so many lives but I can assure my fans that I am alive contrary to earlier rumours that I was among the people who perished. It is indeed a big blow to us but I thank God to be alive,” said the band leader.

The Saturday morning incident brings the number of people who have died in Lake Victoria in Siaya County to at least 15 in less than five months.

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