KAMPALA, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military has joined the search and rescue operation in the disastrous Saturday boat accident on Lake Victoria in the central district of Mukono, a spokesperson said here on Sunday.
Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, Uganda's deputy military spokesperson said in a statement that Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) marines are entering deep waters on Sunday morning to join the search for survivors and retrieving the dead bodies.
"UPDF marine divers are entering the deep waters in the next few minutes to reach the lake bed where the boat is. Sad for our country and the bereaved families," said Akiiki.
Emilian Kayima, police spokesperson said the death toll had risen to 13, dozens are still missing and 26 had been rescued by Saturday night when the search and rescue operation was postponed. The police had earlier said that 40 people had been rescued.
"The team of experts will resume this rescue mission this morning where many people are feared dead, deep in the waters where the boat in which they were traveling capsized and completely submerged," said Kayima.
The boat reportedly carried over 120 passengers, beyond its capacity of 100, who traveled from KK beach in capital city Kampala to Mukono, according to local media.
