LAKE VICTORIA — A ferry with an unknown number of passengers has on Saturday evening capsized in on the Kenyan side of Lake Victoria.
The boat identified as Water Bus is said to have been plying the Mageta Island—Usenge beach route in Siaya County in Kenya when the incident occurred.
The Citizen TV, quoting sources, reports the boat could have been hit by strong winds and high tides partly attributed to the swelling water levels of Lake Victoria.
The Citizen TV quoting authorities adds that a rescue mission is currently underway, coordinated by local administration and beach management units.
Water levels have been on the rise in Lake Victoria over the last four months
On Friday, Uganda issued an alert over Lake Victoria’s water levels that have surged to their highest level in more than half a century after about eight months of relentless downpours.
According to Reuters, sections of waterfront properties such as luxury hotels including one belonging to a unit of Nairobi-listed Tourism Promotion Services and a Protea Hotel which is part of Marriott International, became submerged in the last few weeks.
Uganda’s water and environment minister Sam Cheptoris further warned that the situation could pose a threat to Uganda’s hydropower plants.