Four Ugandans trapped in Lake Victoria for over 36 hours

Four Ugandan nationals were on Sunday afternoon stuck in the middle of Lake Victoria after their boat was trapped by water hyacinth near Wagusu Beach in Bondo Sub-County.

According to Central Sakwa Location Beach Management Unit network chairman, William Otieno, the Ugandans, who are businessmen, were on their way to Wagusu Beach where they have been trading in bananas and sugarcane when the weed blocked their sailing route.

He told Citizen Digital the four males tried to dodge the weed but were overwhelmed when wind blew the water hyacinth, surrounding their boat for now over 36 hours.

The chairman stated that their attempts to rescue the Ugandan nationals using engine bats failed since the weed requires more powerful speed engine boats that can cut through it.

He lamented that the water hyacinth menace has adversely affected the fishing activities not only at Wagusu Beach but also in other beaches including Uyawi, Liunda, Kamumbo, Banga and Ndeda Oyamo which have all been rendered inaccessible.

Various government departments including the sub-county security team, the fisheries officers and the area MCA, Johannes Andiego, have visited the place and according to the area chief, Mr Julius Nyerere, plans are underway to organize for an air rescue.

Chief Nyerere said that the MCA has spoken with Kisumu Central MP Ken Obura who promised to send a chopper to rescue them on Tuesday morning.

Chief Nyerere, who confirmed the incident, has warned fishermen from that region against entering the lake once they see the water hyacinth moving towards the lakeshore.