Seventeen people were rescued by the KRA speedboats on Saturday after the waterbus they were using capsized in Lake Victoria near Usenge beach and Mageta island in Siaya County.
The passengers had been traveling from Mageta Island to Usenge beach in Bondo sub-county when the incident occurred.
Chief of Mageta location Ambrose Ogema speaking through Ramogi Radio, disclosed that the water bus had a mechanical breakdown after one of its engines failed near Sirigombe Island.
I sincerely thank all those who acted swiftly and saved lives from the capsized ferry in Lake Victoria earlier today. God bless you all. Lake Victoria is not what we used to know as it’s water level is rising dangerously. Let’s approach it with extreme caution.
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) May 2, 2020
The Kenya Revenue Authority confirmed being involved in the joint passenger rescue mission in response to public distress call the sinking water bus boat (MV Ringiti).
“The operation was done in conjunction with officers from the county government fisheries department. 5 crew members and 3 passengers were rescued and are all safe. Other than revenue collection, KRA works with partner government agencies to safeguard legitimate trade through border patrols and surveillance.”
