A 31-year-old man has drowned in Lake Victoria at Ralayo Beach, East Asembo in Rarieda sub-county while on a fishing expedition.
Fredrick Otieno, who was in the company of David Opiyo, drowned on Wednesday night but his colleague allegedly swam to safety. The fisherman allegedly suddenly collapsed and drowned in the water when they were about to get to the shore. According to the BMU chairperson Jacklyne Audi, the deceased was suspected to have been sick during the fishing expedition which might be the cause of the incident. Audi stated that the effort by the fishermen to rescue him hit a snag after they were overpowered by a strong wind at that moment.
Area MCA William Angul who visited the scene said they have already contacted the sub-marine officers to help them retrieve the bodies which are suspected to have been swept away by wind to the deepest point of the Lake. The deceased’s mother Antonina Atieno expressed her disappointment following the death of her son who has been acting as the family’s breadwinner.
The fishermen have already launched a massive search for the body while the family of the deceased and the surrounding community members are currently camping at the beach as they perform some traditional rituals that may help them recover the body.
Area chief who confirmed the incident warned the fisherman to always wear safety gears while on fishing missions.