Three dead, 20 missing in Lake Albert boat accident

Three people are have been confirmed dead, while over 20 others are still missing after a boat carrying football players and fans capsized on Lake Albert on Sunday afternoon.

The deceased have been identified as Majid Mayaya, Winnie Ayera and one male only known as Omirambe, all residents of Fofo landing site, Tonya parish in Buseruka sub-county, Hoima district.

Siraji Bedijo, the area youth councillor said the accident occurred just 80 meters from Fofo landing site and that the engine powered boat was carrying over 60 people.

According to Bedijo, the footballers and fans were heading to Runga landing site in Kigorobya sub-county for two friendly matches between men and women.

About 25 people who comprised mostly of fishermen from Fofo landing site were rescued.

Beker Ogen, the Fofo landing site LC1 chairman attributed the accident to overloading and bad weather, adding that there were strong winds by the time the boat started its doomed journey.

Sunday Bruno, the marine officer at Mbegu UPDF detach, said the search operations would resume on Monday after they were called off on Sunday evening.

This is not the first time a boat carrying footballers is capsizing in the waters of Lake Albert.

On December 25, 2016, 30 football players and fans drowned in Lake Albert after the boat they were travelling in capsized in Buliisa district. The boat was carrying 45 people.