Body of fisherman who drowned recovered

Homa Bay, Monday May 8, 2023

KNA by Davis Langat

A body of a fisherman who drowned in Lake Victoria has been retrieved following a week-long search.

Boaz Oloo, 48, drowned in Lake Victoria last Monday while on a fishing expedition.

Kinda Beach Management Unit Chairman Bernard Okoth said Oloo met his death when he was in company of three other fishermen.

He said they were on a fishing expedition near Migingo Island when the tragedy struck.

It was reported that Oloo was on a long call while in the boat that was moving slowly in the water. However, a strong wind struck the boat. 

According to the BMU Chairman, Oloo lost grip of the boat and fell into the water.

“He was on a long call before the strong wind destabilised the boat before he fell into the water,” Okoth said.

The fishermen who were with Oloo tried to rescue him but he was unable to swim.

“He was not able to swim, making it difficult for his fellow fishermen to rescue him. That is why he drowned immediately,” Okoth said.

Since that time, fishermen have been looking for his body at the lake.

But the fishermen managed to retrieve his body on Sunday evening. The body was found near Remba Island in Suba Central Sub-county.

Suba Sub-County Police Commander Caxton Ndunda confirmed the incident.

Ndunda urged fishermen to put on life jackets whenever they venture into the lake. He explained that life jackets reduce chances of drowning.

“I want our fishermen to understand that it is mandatory to put on life jackets for their own safety” Ndunda said.

The body was moved to St Camillus Hospital Mortuary in Sori town.

Courtesy; K.N.A