Bodies of two fishermen retrieved from Lake Victoria

The body of Caleb Nyawara was moved to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital mortuary. [File, Standard]

The bodies of two fishermen who drowned in Lake Victoria have been retrieved.

The fishermen identified as Richard Nyakwaka, 58, and Caleb Nyawara, 40, drowned in the lake on March 19, 2025.

The duo from Litare Beach in Mbita Sub-county boarded a boat alongside another fisherman before it was hit by a storm and capsized.

Litare Beach Management Unit Chairman Isaiah Pero said one fisherman survived the tragedy.

Fishermen who have been searching for Nyakwaka and Nyawara retrieved their bodies on Thursday.

"We have been looking for the bodies in the lake. We thank God that we have retrieved them," Pero said.

He called for collaboration between fishermen and the local community.

"Our good relations accorded us support from various stakeholders to retrieve the bodies. Let this continue," Pero said.

Kamasengre West Sub-location Meshack Wachianga urged fishermen to wear quality life jackets during the ongoing rainy season to prevent tragedy.

"The lake is prone to storms during the rainy seasons. Let fishermen put on quality life jackets," Wachianga said.

The administrator advised fishermen to avoid going into the lake during erratic weather.

"The current rainy season is a recipe for storms which cause deaths in the lake. Let fishermen avoid going into the lake when the weather is unfavourable," Wachianga said.

Nyakwaka's body was removed to Madiany Hospital Mortuary in Rarieda Sub-county in Siaya County.

The body of Nyawara who hailed from Rachuonyo East Sub-county in Homa Bay was removed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.