The death toll of the Lake Victoria boat accident has risen as 13 people have now been reported dead after a boat capsized in Lake Victoria on yesterday evening.
Although no official figures have been provided, it is estimated that close to 150 people were on the ill-fated vessel at the time of the accident and according to Ugandan police, only 40 others were rescued while several others still remain missing.
Uganda police force marine unit rescues over 40 people alive on lake Victoria. Ten died. Rescue mission still on
— Uganda Police Force (@PoliceUg) November 24, 2018
“Uganda police force marine unit rescues over 40 people alive on lake Victoria. Ten died. Rescue mission still on,” read a tweet from the official Uganda Police Force Twitter account.
The boat which was occupied by revellers on a boat cruise capsized in Mpatta Sub-county in Mukono District, Uganda. Prince David Wasajja, the brother of Buganda King Kabaka Ronald Mutebi was on board but was fortunately rescued. Reports also claim that Musicians Irene Namubiru and Prince Wasajja were also partying on the boat when it capsized.
“It is a sad moment. UPDF and UPF marine units continue on a search and rescue mission on the waters of Lake Victoria for survivors and those perished in the boat cruise from KK beach,” said army spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire in a statement.
In 1966, more than 800 people lost their lives on Lake Victoria when the MV Bukoba sank off the mainland town of Mwanza, according to the Red Cross.
Bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kampala City Mortuary for post-mortem while Uganda Police Force Marine Unit continue the search and rescue mission for survivors.
“The area LCIII chairperson Patrick Ssajjabi says more bodies have been retrieved from the water this morning. Another man identified as Derrick Owekyo, a resident of Mpatta Island in Mukono District, died in attempt to rescue others, according to Mr. Ssajjabi,” said a Ugandan reporter.
The cause of the accident is yet to be established.