STRONG waves on Lake Mweru in Nchelenge District of Luapula Province
have submerged a boat carrying 32 people, claiming the lives of a coxswain and a baby below the age of one.
It reported that 18 people managed to swim to safety while 12 others are feared dead as they are yet to be found.
Confirming the incident Zambia Police deputy spokesperson Danny Mwale told Kalemba through a statement that the two deceased have been retrieved include John Kamobole aged 45 of Nchelenge District and Mutumbu Mwembo aged between six to 12 months.
“The incident occurred today, April 18, 2023 between 06:00 hours and 08:00 hours on Lake Mweru waters as the boat was heading towards Kashobwe area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo from Kilwa Island on the Zambian side,” Mwale said.
“Police Preliminary investigations indicate that most of the passengers were Congolese nationals using a boat belonging to a Zambian.”
Mwale said further investigations revealed that the accident happened due to strong waves on the Lake.
He said the search and rescue operation for the those that are missing is ongoing.
Picture for illustration
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba April 18, 2023
