Six bodies, missing since a boat accident on Lake Baringo, were recovered on Tuesday morning, bringing the total number of fatalities to seven.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a boat, heading to Kokwa Island for a church service, capsized mid-lake.
The initial recovery was made on Sunday, with the remaining six bodies found at the lake’s shores near Kokwa Island two days later.
The ill-fated boat was carrying 23 passengers, including high school and grade 8 students.
The joyous atmosphere of the group soon turned to chaos as sudden strong winds churned the lake, creating dangerous conditions.
Baringo County commissioner reported that the bodies were discovered around 6:30 a.m. during the third day of the search mission.
The retrieval efforts involved divers scouring the area near Kokwa Island, where the accident took place.
Survivors described the terror as the boat’s propeller became entangled in a fishing net, leaving the vessel adrift in the choppy waters.
Panic set in, and several passengers jumped into the lake, causing a shift in the boat’s balance, ultimately leading to its capsizing.
Despite the chaos, a nearby boat managed to rescue sixteen people, while search and rescue teams, including coast guards, marine police, and the Kenya Red Cross, continued their efforts to locate the missing.
The search has now concluded, and the boat has been towed to shore.
While the cause of the accident is under investigation, the tragic loss of life has left the community in mourning, emphasizing the need for safety measures on Lake Baringo to prevent future accidents.
