Police have recovered two bodies out of the 12 people who went missing following a boat accident on Nyabarongo River, last weekend. Last Saturday morning, a wooden boat carrying about 25 people travelling from Kamonyi District, Southern Province to Mageragere, Kigali city capsized in Nyabarongo River. Eleven of the passengers were rescued after the accident but 12 others went missing. Search and rescue operations were launched with Police bringing in its motorised boats and divers to try and rescue those who were missing. On Wednesday, Police said the rescue team had so far recovered two bodies. Police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa, told The New Times that the bodies were found on the southern part of the river in Gashora area of Bugesera District, on Tuesday. Search efforts have been shifted to the areas around Bugesera where it is believed the river could have washed the bodies. There is little hope that the missing people will be found alive and efforts are mainly focused on recovering the bodies, something which could at least ease the pain for the families of the victims by giving them a chance to offer a decent burial to their relatives. But there is also fear that some bodies might never be found in the crocodile-infested river.“Search and rescue efforts are ongoing. We hope to recover all the bodies though there is little hope of finding any survivor,” CSP Twahirwa said. He also urged residents to be cautious when travelling on the river to avoid putting their lives at risks. Following the accident, which was blamed on old and weak boat as well as over-loading, local authorities in Kamonyi District and security organs announced a new string of measures to curb such incidents on the river. They include strict boat inspection to ensure that all boats are in good condition; have lifejackets and an engine prior to allowing them sail. Old boats or those that do not meet the requirements are not allowed to carry passengers. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
