The search for two missing fishermen is ongoing in Lake Victoria after their fishing vessel was struck by a cargo ship enroute to Uganda at 9pm on Thursday, November 21.

The impact caused the fishing vessel to split into two; one part sank while the other remained afloat.

Two of the fishermen were swept away by the current, while the other two managed to cling to the floating piece of the boat.

The survivors, includingFredrick Odongo and Hannington Omondi, were rescued by a passing fishing vessel after three hours of drifting.

“By good luck, another fishing vessel was passing by, they rescued us and we managed to get back to the shore. Our two colleagues are still missing,” Omondi stated.

The missing fishermen have been identified as Steve Onyango and Moses Odhiambo.

The search for them is being led by Moses Adongo, chairman of Awandu Beach Management Unit (BMU), who has appealed for support from local leaders and well-wishers.

“According to the survivors, the accident occurred several miles from the shore and due to the vast nature of the lake, we need support in order to successfully retrieve them from the water,” Adongo lamented.

In line with Luo culture, the families of the missing fishermen have moved to the shores of the lake, believing their presence will expedite the search process.