Two people have been confirmed dead and eight others are missing when the boat they were sailing in overturned in Lake Victoria near Pier Beach in Homa-Bay town.

The casualties were travelling to Ndheru beach in Mbita Sub County even when the incident occurred.

So far, only six occupants of the ill-fatedĀ boat have been rescued.

The boat is said to have capsized about 400m away from the beach ove4r suspected overloading of passengers and goods.

As per Homa- Bay township location Chief Joshua Ochongo, the two bodies include that of a woman and one and half year old minor who were retrieved during the rescue mission led by fishermen.

The six passengers who were rescued have been taken to Homa- Bay County Referral Hospital for further treatment, while the bodies of the deceased have been moved to the mortuary at the same facility.

Meanwhile, a search mission by fishermen and well-wishers is underway for eight other passengers who are feared dead.