The Water Marine has rescued at least 15 residents of Obongi district whose boat capsized during the robust search for the body of a police officer who on Saturday night dived into the waters of the Nile over alleged attempts to commit suicide.
“I inform the country that yesterday we had a tragedy where 15 people nearly drowned in the River Nile as they searched for the body of a police officer, but I am happy to inform the public that all 15 people have been rescued,” Samuel Mpimbaza, RDC Obongi district, said on Monday.
According to Dragudu Ignatius, the public relations officer for the North West Nile region, the rescued persons had offered to coordinate with the marine team to search for the deceased’s body, who has been identified as Justin Lubangakene.
However, efforts to retrieve his body almost ended in catastrophic circumstances when the boat capsized.
He also confirmed the incident, revealing that the speed boat belonging to the Obongi district production department capsized because of heavy rains, which were characterized by strong winds.
Mr. Dragudu also revealed that the fifteen evacuees are alive and receiving medical attention after some of them sustained wounds.
“All individuals are alive and receiving medical attention after they were rescued at around 5 a.m. on Monday,” said Dragudu.
This has come after an incident that reportedly happened on Saturday at around 9 p.m. when Justin Rubangakene jumped into the river, and shortly thereafter, the fishermen and Marine Ambulance rescue team launched a frantic search for the body.
RDC Obongi district, Mr. Samuel Mpimbaza, said that even the deceased’s body has been recovered and will be taken to the hospital for post-mortem before being handed over to the relatives for a decent burial.
