L. Kivu accident claims one, another missing

NYAMASHEKE-One person was confirmed dead and another is missing after a boat they were travelling in capsized on Lake Kivu. Police confirmed the accident and said it occurred at around 11am on Thursday.

Saturday, July 07, 2012
Supt Theos Badege.

NYAMASHEKE-One person was confirmed dead and another is missing after a boat they were travelling in capsized on Lake Kivu. Police confirmed the accident and said it occurred at around 11am on Thursday.Ten other passengers were rescued by police shortly after the boat sunk, eyewitnesses told The New Times. Police said the accident might have been caused by overloading.The deceased was identified as Abias Ndorayabo while Elias Iyamuremye is reported missing. By press time, Police Marines were still searching for the body of Iyamuremye, who is feared dead.All the people in the boat were residents of Butare Cell, Gihombo Sector, who were travelling to an wedding ceremony in the nearby Macuba Sector, Nyamasheke District, Police said.Speaking to The New Times, Commanding Officer, Police Marine, Supt. Eugene Mushayija cautioned the general public against overloading. "We urge the community to stop travelling in such sub-standard boats so as to avoid endangering their lives,” Supt Mushayija said. "We have always called for the use of motor boats.” Police Spokesperson, Supt Theos Badege, said Police are stepping up efforts to ensure all coxswains, boat owners and users, respect all the prescribed norms and requirements."We have realised that boat users often do not comply with rules. That’s why we are intensifying our efforts to make sure they act in accordance with the law,” Badege said.