Boat Cruise tragedy stories: Gratitude for survivors, Sorrow for the deceased

Proof of Life. Miracle wife.

My wife was on the ill fated boat with her sister last night. She's just been delivered home after a traumatic night where she looked death in the face as she swarm her way to safety along with her sister.

The real hero of the day, our hero is Afande Mark Odongo CID Head quarters who volunteered and drove her home realising that she wasn't in the right frame of mind to drive herself. Listen to this...upon arrival home, I offered a token of appreciation worthy of such a good samaritan spirit but he flatly refused.

He said, " Aldrine, your wife is safe. That is the most important thing. Ive delivered her to you. Thats my duty and am glad I've out a smile on the face of your family members. I feel privileged and proud. Thats my reward."

He, alongside many officers in police and army who have done a great job to try and rescue survivors while also retrieving the bodies of those who have lost their lives must be hailed as heroes. Good men in this country. Honourable officers.

For us the Nsubuga family, we owe God immensely. Who are we? We praise and thank God for the miracle. The gory story we have just been told of this forgettable.night will be our testimony for ever.

In the same breath, I and my family wish to thank the many friends who have frantically been in touch since last night to give support in the trying moments. God bless you all.

Finally, we deeply feel for the many families who were not as lucky as we have been. I wish we could do something. We know first hand how you are all feeling. God bless the souls of all lost...God comfort you. We are with you in spirit. None of us deserves God mercy but we get it because he is God.

We are paying for all of you.

Afande Mark, you are a great man. God bless you. For all who have bee wondering, Ive posted proof life. Yes, Tash is alive and home safe now. Her sis Esther with whom.they were also survived. She's home as well.

God bless this nation.

Aldrine Nsubuga

 

I would like to thank all of you who have reached out to me. By GOD'S GRACE I am still Alive ,safe and getting medical attention but so traumatised. My deepest thoughts to our comrades who didn't make it and condolences to the bereaved families. What can I say? GOD #NSIIMYE 🙏

Iryn Namubiru

 

Survivor stories adopted from NTV Uganda

We were going to have some fun on the island but personally, I was going to supply drinks as I have always done. Everything was shrouded in mystery. First, the boat came in at 5pm yet it was slated to be there at midday. As soon as we started the journey, the engine kept going on and off.

We would reach at some point and the engine stops working completely, then the boat would just float. The people responsible would repair it and then we would continue the journey with assurance that the boat was fine and it was the waves causing some problems.

But when we reached the middle of the lake, the waves intensified and we could see that the boat was losing balance but management reassured us that we would reach safely.

Soon, water starting entering the boat which made people to get scared.

Many ran to the upper deck. Water increased, the music speakers fell into the water, and then the generator also fell. The boat was left swaying on the water, the engine could not work anymore. We were more than 100 people on board.

It was at this moment the boat started capsizing. Even the good swimmers found it hard to get out of the trap. What helped me was the life jacket. Many did not have.

I fought hard to get out and even hurt my eye while trying to find a way out from the bottom. The boat was too slippery and I found it hard to hold on it. Luckily in my struggles I chanced on a way out and climbed the upper part of the boat. I started calling for help. Those at Mutima beach heard our cries and came to our rescue.

The first rescue canoe that came capsized too when it was overwhelmed by the number of people [seeking to enter it]. Only one person survived on that canoe. Even the rescue team died. As I was floating, other boats came in and rescued me.

At Mutima beach, we were told the boat had not been working for three weeks. Even the delay was caused by the repairs.

Prince Wasajja survived because he had a life jacket and when the rescue team came, he was easily recognised. As for Irene Namubiru, (local singer), I think she sensed danger early, asked for a life jacket and when the boat started sinking, she jumped into water and started swimming.

Edward Katerega. survivor

We departed from KK Beach [in Ggaba]. Originally the departure time was 12pm but for some unknown reasons, we were delayed until 5pm. People used this time to drink [alcohol]. When the boat finally came, it was big and could not come to the shores. We instead used canoes to board it.

Before we could go far, the boat started losing balance. We ignored this and thought it was normal because we were told in the beginning that the waves would affect its balance.

As we kept moving, we suddenly realised water was entering the boat. A helmsman told us to sit side by side such that we could balance the boat. By now, we were in the middle of the lake and waves were stronger. Musical systems started falling off. At this moment, all of us went to the upper side of the boat as one side had already been submerged. Even the upper side started sinking and suddenly we saw our friends drop into the water one by one.

We were close to Mutima Country Haven Beach. Some of the people there realised something was wrong and started sending canoes to help. Those who survived held on the edge of the boat until the rescue team came.

We had some life jackets but some people did not wear them. Some said having jackets would spoil their sense of style when taking pictures for social media.

Some were very drunk and could not listen to instructions of wearing life jackets. I survived by God’s mercy because I did not know how to swim.

Shamila Nsereko, survivor

 

The boat accident that may claim over 100 people who were enjoying the cruise didn't have a license according to the minister!

It had failed tests twice, and was over loaded (capacity 80 passengers but had more than 120 on board).

On the boat was Sheila my classmate and friend at A' Level. Who we kept contact to date.

A very kind lady who had a sweet voice and had a permanent smile.

Am shocked u died this way.

Sheila and hubby Templar owned Kpalm beach where the boat was heading.

RIP Sheila and the other victims.

Herold Kaija

The tragedy on Lake Victoria last night claimed many including our friend Sheila Mbonimpa. Seeing your lifeless body with your graceful and calm face and absolutely authentic natural hair at the City Mortuary Mulago has left me speechless. May God comfort your family, young children and rest your gentle soul in eternal peace. Here is the preliminary statement by Govt on the disaster.

Julius Mucunguzi

My dear look alike Sarah Kiraka was chosen by the lord yesterday. How you loved your babies,You were proud that your little girl was done with p7.

You were hurt that your dad had been taken by the lord before seeing you walk down the aisle which you were about to in a few months.

The last I saw of you on Thursday at our usual comedy notes at the theater you laughed so hard,since you had taken awhile without watching.

You bought me beer after your is sister in-law said you were the funds manager for the night.We hugged and had a good laugh.

Now you're gone to be with our loved ones and the lord.

My brother Frobisher take heart.Am sure you will be an excellent father to the little ones.

Tindi, KFM

 

http://nilepost.co.ug/2018/11/25/tears-at-mulago-hospital-as-bodies-start-trickling-in/