Four Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) officers were on Saturday, August 31, 2024, rescued after their boat capsized in Lake Victoria.
KCGS in a statement issued on Saturday said the officers were rescued following an intensive night operation that lasted for eight hours.
Lake Victoria Security patrols
The boat capsized at Ndere Island when the officers were returning to their Kisumu station after successfully conducting security patrols in Siaya and Homa Bay operation areas.
According to KCGS, the rescue operation was conducted in collaboration with Beach Management Unit (BMUs) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
“A successful search and rescue operation was conducted by the KCGS team in collaboration with BMU’s and KWS at Ndere Islands, in Lake Victoria. After an intensive 8-hour night mission, the team safely recovered four KCGS officers following the capsizing of their patrol boat due to mechanical issues leading to sudden water ingress and subsequent capsizing.
“The officers were returning to their Kisumu station after successfully conducting security patrols in Siaya and Homabay general area of operation,” the statement by KCGS reads in part.
Officers in stable condition
The rescued officers are currently receiving treatment, with KCGS giving an assurance that they are in stable condition.
“All officers are currently receiving medical attention and are in stable condition. The swift coordination among the BMUs and agencies involved exemplified the highest standards of maritime safety, making sure that the officers were rescued,” the statement reads.
The wreckage of the boat has not yet been found. Operations to locate and recover the wreckage have been intensified.
the team safely recovered four KCGS officers following the capsizing of their patrol boat due to mechanical issues leading to sudden water ingress and subsequent capsizing. The officers were returning to their Kisumu station after successfully conducting security patrols in
— Kenya Coast Guard Service (@OfficialKCGS) August 31, 2024
Joho’s plea
This comes barely two days after Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho asked President William Ruto to allow him to procure a rescue chopper.
Speaking on Thursday, August 29, 2024, during the Thanksgiving ceremony of Treasury CS John Mbadi in Homa Bay County, Joho said he has been informed about people losing their lives in Lake Victoria.
The Mining CS noted that a rescue helicopter will help in cases of emergency in the lake.
Ruto’s chopper promise
Following Joho’s plea, President Ruto pledged to procure a rescue helicopter that will come in handy in case of such incidents.
Ruto announced the establishment of a rescue centre, that was launched on Friday, August 30, 2024, equipped with facilities aimed at preventing disasters on Lake Victoria.
He further promised the deployment of a chopper to provide emergency rescue services for the fishermen in Nyanza.
