“Illegal Fishing Kills Again” – Three Fishermen Drown in Lake Victoria Clash

A search is underway in Lake Victoria for three fishermen who drowned after a violent clash on Sunday night. The fight involved fishing crews from Rarieda and Karachuonyo sub-counties.

The incident happened near Luanda Kotieno beach. Fishermen from Kajimu beach in Karachuonyo allegedly entered a protected fish breeding zone.

George Owuor Otuoma, chairman of the Luanda Kotieno Beach Management Unit (BMU), said the intruders were using illegal fishing gear. When the patrol confronted them, a scuffle broke out. The Kajimu fishermen reportedly attacked with crude weapons.

During the fight, their boat capsized. Three men drowned. One swam to safety, and five others were rescued by the BMU patrol. The survivors were handed to police at Aram Police Station. They were later arraigned at Madiany Law Courts on charges of using illegal fishing gear and inciting violence.

Otuoma condemned the illegal equipment, saying it fuels conflict on the lake. “This tragedy could have been avoided if illegal fishing practices were stopped,” he told Ramogi FM. He added that the banned gear threatens both fish stocks and human lives.

He called on the government to act. He said stricter enforcement and harsher penalties could prevent more deaths. Officials must protect the lake and ensure fishermen follow the rules, he added.

The clash highlights ongoing disputes over fishing zones. Local communities fear more violence, especially during peak fishing seasons. The BMU patrols the lake, but enforcement is hard without government support.

Efforts to recover the bodies continue. Teams are combing the lake to bring closure to families. Local leaders are also urging dialogue between fishing groups. The tragedy is a grim reminder of the dangers of illegal fishing and territorial disputes on Lake Victoria.