Police recovers bodies after canoe capsized on River Nile

Apr 15, 2015

THE police have recovered seven bodies of people who drowned in River Nile, in Nebbi on Tuesday

By Benedict Okethwengu

 

THE police have recovered seven bodies of people who drowned in River Nile, in Nebbi on Tuesday.

 

 Members of the police helped by local fishermen recovered five of the bodies on Tuesday and two on Wednesday.

 

The canoe, which was reportedly carrying more than 30 traders, was sailing from Pokwere landing site in Nebbi district to Ajirini landing Site in Nwoya when it capsized.

 

Efforts to get comment from Gimtom Aguta, the officer in charge Nebbi police station who was on the ground were futile as they he was busy hunting for the bodies.

 

But, Robert Okumu, the Nebbi district LC 5 Chairman, said the traders were returning from Pokwero market, in Panyango sub-county in Nebbi district.

 

Pokwero market usually once a week attract traders from the neighbouring districts of Nebbi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

 

“The canoe must have been overloaded, and that is why it could not withstand the strong current on the river,” said Okumu.

 

The latest accident adds to the growing list of incidents of boat accidents on River Nile. Last year 10 traders who were returning from Nwoya to Nebbi district died when their canoe capsized at the same spot.

 

On Wednesday, fishermen who swarmed to help the drowning people, managed to rescue seven of them.

 

The bodies of the dead were still lying at Pokwero landing site waiting for relatives to pick them for burial.

 

The exact number of people on board is unknown but Okumu said police would continue with the search.

 

“We are not sure of the exact number, but they could be about 30, but the police shall continue with the search, until everybody is found” he said.

 

Hamilton Okidi, the officer, criminal investigations, in Nebbi district said identities of those who died have not yet been established.

 

He added that more police personnel will be added to help boost the search for the nine missing bodies. 

 

“We are still establishing their identities, but we shall be able to avail you with details,” he said before hanging phone

 

Okumu cautioned those traveling on the lakes and rivers against overloading.

 

Serephine Alia, the Nebbi district chief officer, said the district has dispatched its ambulance to go help in transporting the dead bodies, and rescuing the survivors.

 

One of the health workers of Pakwach health center who preferred to remain anonymous told New Vision on Wednesday, that seven of the survivors have been rushed to the health center to seek treatment.

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