Boat accident: 5 marine rescue officers survive boat capsize

Police said in a statement that while returning to the shore after successfully retrieving a body from the water, the boat, which had about five marine officers, capsized due to strong winds on the lake.

According to the police, all five officers were rescued, and no one was injured or died.

"We are relieved to report that all five Marine officers who were onboard the capsized boat have been rescued alive. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of the lake and the challenging conditions that our dedicated Marine officers face while executing their life-saving duties," a statement issued by Police read.

It further read: "As the investigation into the accident is ongoing, further details will be provided as soon as they become available. Our priority remains to ensure the safety of our personnel and the public while conducting rescue operations and patrolling the waters of Lake Victoria. Efforts to also retrieve more missing bodies are still ongoing following the accident that happened earlier this week."

On Wednesday morning, 25 individuals were reported to have perished in what has been termed one of the biggest tragedies on Lake Victoria this year. The victims were among the 34 people aboard the suspected ill-fated boat, which capsized along the way.

Police confirmed that the number of people on board was 34 and that the incident happened on Wednesday morning at 5 a.m.

The boat was carrying bags of charcoal, fresh foods, and silver fish, among others, while moving from Lwanabatya Landing Site in Kyamuswa County, Kalangala region, when it capsized.

According to Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) spokesperson Deo Sentiba, five bodies had been found by last evening.