Search mission at Lake Nakuru remains a mystery

Geologist from ministry of mining who came on board to assist in the on going search of the missing bodies in Lake Nakuru :PHOTO Harun wathari

A mission to recover bodies and debris of the helicopter that crashed in Lake Nakuru is yet to yield any fruit despite the involvement of experts.

Sonar machines from the Kenya Navy and a magnetometer from the Ministry of Mining have not been able to locate the wreckage.

Six geologists from the ministry, working closely with divers, have not been able to recover any bodies or debris from the helicopter that crashed on October 21.

The accident happened at around 7.30am and those on board were Apollo Malowa (pilot), Veronicah Muthoni, John Mapozi, Anthony Kipyegon and Sam Gitau.

The helicopter crashed few minutes after taking off from Jarika County Lodge in Freehold estate, Nakuru town.

Enoch Kipseba, a geologist, said the machines had not detected the wreckage for the past three days.

“We however continue with the search,” he added.

WIDER ANGLES

The magnetometer, which takes wider angles than the sonar machine, was expected to detect any metal objects embedded in the salty water lake.

Identified by family members so far are the bodies of the pilot and Mr Kipyegon, which were recovered two days after the crash.

On October 22, divers recovered earphones, a pilot file, first aid kit, a section of the 5Y-NMJ helicopter door and part of a seat.

The debris was spotted on the shores of the lake by a Global Positioning System Kenya Police helicopter.

The search team includes at least 60 divers from various organisations including the navy, Kenya Wildlife Service, Department of Fisheries, private firms and volunteers.

There is also a team from the Kenya Rescue Divers in Mombasa sponsored by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko.

Nine divers from the Bomet county government joined the search mission on Sunday.

Rift Valley Regional Co-ordinator Wanyama Musiambo maintained that the mission would not be called off until the bodies and debris were found.