MWANZA, July 11 -- THREE people have died after a passenger boat caught fire on Lake Victoria while travelling from Gozba Island to Mwanza City.

Acting Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Commander Elisa Mugisha said the incident occurred on July 9 near Lyamwenge Island in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region.

The deceased include two men aged about 70, a 45-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy identified as Godson Stephen. Authorities said the victims bodies are yet to be formally identified.

Mr Mugisha said the boat, with registration number TMZ 012807, is owned by Paschal Nghwanghwa. It was carrying more than 50 passengers when it caught fire mid-journey.

The Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Force rescued 48 people from the vessel after some...