Two people are feared dead after a boat participating in a boat race capsized in Lake Victoria.
The incident happened near Sindo Beach in Homa Bay County, just moments before the race began on Wednesday afternoon.
The boat was reportedly surveying the race routes to give room for the start of the race but ended up capsizing.
Confirming the incident, Sindo Sub Location Senior Assistant Chief Julius Otieti said that seven people were aboard the boat.
He said that the rescue mission was done by fishermen at the shores and beach management unit.
“The rescue operation was conducted by officials from the beach management unit, fishermen and other locals who were brave enough to get in the water. Two men were found dead,” he told the Nation.
The incident was also confirmed by Suba South OCPD Paul Kipkorir.
According to John Kisiara, an eyewitness, the boat was hit by strong currents before overturning and throwing the group into the water.
''The boat left the beach at 2 pm when its occupants decided to identify the turning points on the lake. Normally, plastic floats are placed on the lake to guide boats on routes to follow while in the water. The men were in the water to identify the floats,” he said.
The bodies of the deceased are yet to be recovered.