3 fishermen drown after fight over breeding zone in Lake Victoria

The incident occurred near Luanda Kotieno beach, where a group of fishermen from Kajimu beach in Karachuonyo allegedly encroached on a designated fish breeding zone.

According to the chairman of the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU), George Owuor Otuoma, the intruders were using illegal fishing gear and refused to vacate the area when confronted.

Otuoma said the Luanda Kotieno patrol team intercepted the group, prompting a scuffle in which the Kajimu fishermen reportedly attacked with crude weapons.

During the altercation, their boat capsized, resulting in the drowning of three individuals. One fisherman managed to swim to safety, while five others were rescued by the patrol team.

The BMU leader who spoke to Ramogi FM, confirmed that the rescued fishermen were handed over to police at Aram Police Station and later arraigned at Madiany Law Courts. They face charges related to the use of illegal fishing equipment and inciting violence on the lake.

Efforts to recover the bodies of the drowned fishermen are ongoing and Otuoma has condemned the use of illegal fishing gear, citing it as a persistent cause of conflict on Lake Victoria.

He therefore appealed to the government to take decisive action to eliminate the practice to prevent further loss of life.