By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, December 31 2025 - The bodies of five fishermen who drowned after their fishing boat capsized in Lake Victoria have now been retrieved, bringing closure to their families after a tense search that drew in community volunteers and authorities.
The men lost their lives when strong winds struck their vessel near the Dho-Goye area in Usigu Sub-County, causing it to overturn during routine fishing activities, local officials confirmed. According to John Ochieng’, chairman of the Usenge Beach Management Unit (BMU), seven fishermen were on board when the accident occurred on Sunday evening.
Five drowned as the boat was overwhelmed by rough waters, while one survived by clinging to the overturned hull until help arrived. “It was very sudden, the winds were strong and the waves picked up quickly,” Ochieng’ said, describing how the local fishing community mobilised immediately to assist.
Initially, two bodies were recovered and taken to Got Agulu Sub-County Hospital mortuary, with search teams, including fellow fishermen, combing the lake for the remaining victims. Extended search efforts have now concluded with the retrieval of all five bodies after two days.
Earlier reports indicated that as many as three fishermen were missing following the accident, prompting a wider search operation on the waters. At the time, BMU officials and community members worked through difficult conditions to recover the bodies and check for signs of life.
The search and rescue effort drew attention to the safety hazards faced by fishing communities along Lake Victoria, including sudden weather changes and limited emergency response resources, particularly during the rainy and windy seasons.
More from Kenya
Lake Victoria, the largest freshwater lake in Africa and a vital economic resource for millions living along its shores, has a long record of maritime accidents involving fishing vessels and passenger boats.
Rough waters, unpredictable winds and inadequate safety gear often contribute to deadly outcomes. In August 2025, regional authorities and the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) announced plans to complete a regional maritime rescue coordination centre equipped with modern communication and vessel tracking technology, part of a broader push to improve response capabilities on the lake.
Despite these initiatives, many local fishermen still operate without adequate life jackets, radios or safety training, making them vulnerable when sudden storms or strong winds strike. Family members and fellow fishermen expressed profound grief as the bodies were brought ashore, with many calling for enhanced safety measures and improved emergency support to prevent further loss of life.
This tragedy highlights the perennial risks faced by those who depend on Lake Victoria for their livelihoods, even as authorities and stakeholders work toward better infrastructure and support. Safer practices, better forecasting systems and coordinated rescue capacity remain key demands from fishing communities.
