Elisha Z. Bwanika
The wreckage of the MV Templar boat has finally been pulled from underneath the Lake Victoria waters, four days after it capsized.
According to the police, efforts are now underway to have it towed to the mainland.
SSP Zurah Ganyana, the spokesperson of the rescue mission, says the joint team is still doing its best to recover uncounted missing persons, and also recover property trapped under the wreckage.
“These are among others; Peter Kakooza of Masaka, Sylvia Namutebi of Nakisunga, Godfrey Musisi of Kabalagala, Andrew Ssenyonga of Kireka,” Ganyana said in statement released on Wednesday.
The joint team comprises Uganda Police and UPDF marine teams, Ministry of Works and MV Kalangala.
“In today’s world of the unknown, it is not easy for any single government department or agency to provide solutions alone. It takes a multi sectoral approach to provide solutions. This explains why we have all government agencies, civil society groups and local community to respond to this incident.”
Ganyana had earlier said the boat, which capsized a few metres to Mutiima beach, had spent three months out of action due to mechanical defects.
There were over 100 passengers on board. About 35 bodies have been retrieved while 27 survivors have been identified.
Earlier, the director of police operations, Mr Assuman Mugenyi had said they never received any special funding to carry out the rescue mission.
Mugyenyi however, said various government agencies and volunteers had used their own resources.
“We wish to make a special appeal to all people who use water transport to respect and adhere to the safety precautions more so the use of life jackets,” the police statement cautions.
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