Tragedy as two fishermen drown in Lake Victoria while fighting

Police are investigating a dramatic and tragic incident where two fishermen drowned in Lake Victoria after engaging in a physical confrontation over a fish-breeding zone in the lake.

The incident happened in Suba North constituency, Homa Bay County, police said.

Police said Enock Opiyo, 25 and Dancan Okoth, 40 from Uwi Beach drowned on Tuesday evening during a fight with their colleagues from Koginga Beach.

Witnesses said trouble began when a group of fishermen from Koginga invaded a fish-breeding zone in Uwi.

The area is among the areas where fishing is not allowed.

The witnesses told police five fishermen from Uwi Beach responded with their patrol boat to stop their colleagues who were already on a fishing expedition at the designated area.

This prompted a physical fight as the groups clashed while accusing each other of disrespect.

Police say the Koginga fishermen hit their colleagues' boat forcing it to capsize. 

Three fishermen were rescued while the two died on the spot, police said adding the search for the bodies was ongoing.

An investigation into the incident has been launched, police said adding they are engaging the leadership of the fishermen to address such future drama.

A team was on Thursday searching for the group that is said to have attacked the drowned one.

Police say drowning cases have been on the rise in the area amid calls for caution to address the menace.