Tanzania, July 9 -- Mwanza. Two people have died, and 50 others have been rescued after a passenger and cargo boat caught fire on Lake Victoria while travelling from Gozba Island in Kagera Region to Mwanza.

The victims are a boy estimated to be 10 years old and a 60-year-old man, Mwanza Regional Fire and Rescue Force commander Elisa Mugisha said.

Speaking by telephone, Mr Mugisha said the incident occurred between Lyamwenge and Bwiro islands in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region, in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026.

He said the survivors escaped without physical injuries but suffered shock and were taken to health facilities in Bwiro and Lyamwenge for treatment.

"The boat caught fire mid-lake, and by this time (1 pm), we have re...