Lake Malawi boat tragedy survivor recalls bag of flour that saved his life
A 67-year-old Graciam Kondowe who was among 54 passengers who police say survived after the Kayokha boat overturned in stormy weather on Lake Malawi in Rumphi, Sunday has said he escaped death by clinging to a bag of maize flour.
Kondowe said he was in the boat which was hired for K45,000 from owner 69-year-old Harrison Ngwira of Kabenu village, Traditional Authority Mbwana in Nkhatabay by members of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), back from Easter celebrations, heading to Tchalo in Rumphi.
He recalled that heavy winds buffeted the boat about 15 minutes into their journey but they proceeded with the journey.
“But the wind was getting more strong and water getting into the boat,” Kondowe sad.
Kondowe said the operator attempted to sail offshore after sensing danger but the boat capsized before they could get back.
“There was panick and wailing. I saw a breastfeeding baby and her mother dying hopelessly,” he said.
Kondowe said he held on to a bag of maize flour which fell out of the boat, and eventually swam his way to safety.
The Kayokha boat was designed to carry between 30 to 40 passengers but on the fateful day it overloaded with 79 passengers.
Six people are confirmed dead while 20 are still missing, police said.
May their souls rest in peace, am deepily touched.
RIP to those who lost their lives.
The recent incidence that resulted in deaths of boat passengers,has shocked the entire nation.I would like to thank the Minister of Finance Mr.G.Gondwe,Rev. Nyondo and other leaders from neighbouring areas for their presence at the place of the occurrence of which,the State President failed to showup at this place where a good number of citizens lost their lives in the lake.Also the most disturbing scenario is the absence of the MP who represents the area Mr.Kamlepo Karua.Besides that,he was born there,grewup there and attended school there,but did not go any further than form two.He went to South Africa to look… Read more »
Boat owner Harrison Ngwira of Kabenu Village, Traditional Authority Mbwana in Nkhatabay must go to jail immediately and held accountable for the innocent lives that were lost. May their souls rest in piece.
Praise your living God and not a bag of flour.
ACTION MUST BE TAKEN TO THE OWNER OF THE BOAT
Very sad development indeed; the authorities are failing Malawians; why allow unregistered vessel carry people on our waters? It’s like taking unlicensed vehicle on the nation’s roads carrying MATOLA!
But not control themselve in terms of the number of people loaded in such a small boat?
Mulungu alandire mizimu ya anthu amene atisiyawa.
Amen
very sad