VIDEO: 131 bodies recovered in Lake Victoria ferry accident as rescue operation continues

Ukerewe. 131 bodies have been recovered so far in Lake Victoria following the capsizing of MV Nyerere which plies the Bugolora- Ukara islands route in Ukerewe District, according to Minister for works, transport and communications Mr Isack Kamwelwe.

While 44 bodies were recovered on Thursday after accident, 87 others were found on Friday, when the rescue operation resumed, Mwanza Regional Commissioner John Mongella confirmed.

Mr Kamwelwe also revealed that 37 bodies have been identified by their relatives.

The ferry capsized on Thursday afternoon about 50 metres from the berth as it was about to dock.

The rescue operation is still under way. Ukerewe District Commissioner Cornel Maghembe told The Citizen late Thursday that the water vessel was overloaded with cargo and passengers.

According to him, the ferry has a capacity of carrying only 100 passengers and 25 tonnes of cargo but it had more than 400 people.