News / National
2 die after boat capsizes
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Residents of Kariba are urging authorities to ramp up water traffic safety awareness following the tragic loss of two lives in a recent boating accident on Lake Kariba. The accident occurred when a small boat, carrying three people including the coxswain, was struck by a sudden storm. The boat capsized, and two of the passengers drowned, while the third managed to survive.
Witnesses reported that the storm overwhelmed the small vessel, causing it to capsize. As of Monday, the body of one of the victims was recovered, while the second remained missing by yesterday. The tragic incident has reignited calls for increased safety measures on the lake, which is known for both recreational and commercial boat traffic.
Clever Chura Foshtino, a local resident, emphasized the urgent need for awareness campaigns by the Water and Inland Department, as well as the police, to prevent similar accidents in the future. "It is essential that the water and inland department, as well as the police, conduct awareness campaigns in both urban areas and fishing camps," Foshtino said.
Samson Coffee, spokesperson for the Kariba Urban Residents Association, also stressed the importance of observing safety precautions while travelling on the lake. "Avoiding travel at night and overloading vessels can help to reduce accidents," Coffee said. "Additionally, travellers should always wear life jackets." He highlighted that this year alone, more than five people have lost their lives in similar accidents on the lake, with causes ranging from overloading to travelling at night.
The spate of fatalities has raised concerns about water traffic safety in the Kariba area, with residents and officials alike calling for a greater focus on preventive measures. Recently, the Water and Inland Lake captain, Adan Nyekete, reiterated the need for adherence to lake safety regulations. "We urge all lake users to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents," Nyekete said. "We will continue to work with stakeholders to promote water traffic safety awareness and prevent further accidents."
The tragic incident has once again underscored the importance of water safety education and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on Lake Kariba.
Witnesses reported that the storm overwhelmed the small vessel, causing it to capsize. As of Monday, the body of one of the victims was recovered, while the second remained missing by yesterday. The tragic incident has reignited calls for increased safety measures on the lake, which is known for both recreational and commercial boat traffic.
Clever Chura Foshtino, a local resident, emphasized the urgent need for awareness campaigns by the Water and Inland Department, as well as the police, to prevent similar accidents in the future. "It is essential that the water and inland department, as well as the police, conduct awareness campaigns in both urban areas and fishing camps," Foshtino said.
The spate of fatalities has raised concerns about water traffic safety in the Kariba area, with residents and officials alike calling for a greater focus on preventive measures. Recently, the Water and Inland Lake captain, Adan Nyekete, reiterated the need for adherence to lake safety regulations. "We urge all lake users to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents," Nyekete said. "We will continue to work with stakeholders to promote water traffic safety awareness and prevent further accidents."
The tragic incident has once again underscored the importance of water safety education and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations on Lake Kariba.
Source - newsday
