/ 7 September 2000

37 FEARED DEAD IN UGANDA BOAT ACCIDENT

THIRTY-seven people were feared dead after their boat capsized on Lake Albert in northwest Uganda. Police spokesman John Kimera said the boat, carrying at least 50 passengers, capsized en route from the western Hoima district to Nebbi district in the northwest. ”37 are feared dead, 13 of the passengers were rescued and 15 bodies have so far been recovered,” Kimera said. Operations are continuing to recover the remaining bodies. The cause of the accident – the second disaster on Lake Albert this year – is yet to be established. At least 40 people died in February when their boat hit a jetty and sank. – Reuters