Fisherman drowns during solo fishing trip on Lake Victoria

A 51-year-old fisherman has drowned in the waters of Lake Victoria at Senye Beach in Muhuru Bay, Migori County, during a solo fishing expedition.

Muhuru Ward Beach Management Unit Secretary Jared Maganya said the body of the deceased, identified as Mohamed Francis Mukami, was discovered by fellow fishermen after they went to inspect an abandoned boat in the lake.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Mukami had ventured onto the lake alone and is believed to have dived into the water to retrieve a fishing net before drowning.

Maganya said the Beach Management Unit had previously banned this type of fishing due to its high risk, adding that the deceased is believed to have sneaked onto the lake early in the morning before other fishermen arrived.

To prevent similar tragedies, the Beach Management Unit has said that fishermen will no longer be allowed to venture onto the lake alone.

“Going forward, every fishing boat must have at least two occupants before setting out on a fishing expedition,” the management said.