LAMU, Kenya, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers have retrieved eight bodies from a passenger boat that capsized in the coastal region of Lamu on Tuesday.
Lamu East County Administrator Shee Kupi Shee said the bodies were recovered by the Kenya Red Cross Society and Kenya Navy personnel who were leading search and rescue operations.
Kupi said three people have not been accounted for while over 20 others have been rescued after a passenger boat capsized in the Indian Ocean near coastal town Lamu.
The boat was sailing from Lamu Island to Lamu East when it was swept away by strong current.
Police and local residents said seven women and three children were among those killed in the boat that carried 35 passengers.
"We suspect the boat may have capsized because it was overloaded," a police officer told Xinhua.
Coast Deputy Regional Commander Akello Odhiambo said the boat was loaded with both passengers and cargo when it capsized due to heavy storm.
Police says the ocean has recently witnessed heavy storms and waves forcing them to suspended fishing activities.
