Ferry capsizes in Lake Victoria, Kenya; all on board rescued

A ferry with an undetermined number of passengers on board capsized in the waters of Lake Victoria in Kenya on Saturday, May 2.

The catamaran vessel Ringiti, operated by local company Waterbus East Africa, was sailing along the 1.2-kilometre stretch between Kenya’s Mageta Island and Usenge Beach when the incident occurred at approximately 17:45 local time on Saturday.

The Kenya Red Cross confirmed through social media that all who were on board Ringiti have been safely rescued due to the quick actions of responding emergency teams. No serious injuries have been reported.

Waterbus said the vessel suffered damage to its starboard hull but gave no other details.

Local authorities believe the capsizing was caused by strong winds coupled with the lake’s significantly increased water level following a recent period of torrential rains.

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