This archive report was first published on 26 July 2021.
On July 26, 2021, a tragic incident occurred at Rari beach in Kisumu West, Lake Victoria, when two fishermen drowned after falling from a speeding motorboat during a test ride.
The victims, Lucas Obonyo and Stephen Ochieng', aged 19 and 20 respectively, were among nine fishermen who had boarded the boat for a test ride.
According to witnesses, the boat almost capsized about 500 meters from the shore due to powerful tides, and the unlucky duo fell into the water while the other seven held on to the vessel.
Local Assistant Chief Amos Okode stated that it became impossible to save the two young men because they drowned several meters away from the shore.
Rescue efforts turned into a search for the bodies of the two after authorities and residents lost hope of saving them.
County Commander Samuel Anampiu confirmed the incident and stated that the search for the bodies is ongoing.
"The two fell into Lake Victoria and drowned. The bodies are yet to be retrieved," he said.
