A ROUTINE lake crossing has turned fatal after a Super Boat ferrying maize seed from Lubwe to Mbabala Island capsized on Lake Bangweulu, claiming lives of three young men.
Zambia Police spokesman Godfrey Chilabi tells TV Yatu in a statement that, the accident occurred yesterday around 17:00 hours in Samfya District.
He says the vessel, powered by a 15-horsepower engine, was navigating the lake when sudden strong winds swept across the water, generating heavy waves that overpowered the boat.
Chilabi shares that, the coxswain, Eugene Kaseba, was unable to steer through the rough conditions, leading to the boat overturning and later sinking with passengers and all goods.
He says the three men aboard drowned before they could reach safety.
He names the deceaseds as, Eugene Kaseba – Coxswain, and Kapebwa Mushota and Mumba Fielder as passengers, respectively.
All three are believed to have been between 25 and 30 years old.
Chilabi says marine officers from the Zambia Police Service, together with local search teams, are continuing operations to locate and retrieve the bodies.
©️ TV Yatu