Two fishermen have died after being struck by lightning while fishing on Lake Malawi near Moto Fishing Dock in the area of Traditional Authority Namavi in Mangochi District.

Mangochi Police Spokesperson Amina Daudi identified the deceased as 25-year-old Adam Paudala and 20-year-old Mark Nedi, both from Mwanapiye Village under Traditional Authority Mwambo in Zomba District.

According to reports, eight fishermen ventured out last evening using two canoes, each carrying four individuals.

“During the course of fishing, a strong Mwera wind, accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms, hit the area. A lightning strike hit one of the canoes, causing significant damage and electrocuting two men,” Daudi explained.

All four fishermen in the struck canoe fell into the water. While two were rescued by their colleagues in the second canoe, Paudala and Nedi drowned and went missing.

A search conducted by local fishermen later recovered the bodies of the two men floating near Moto Fishing Dock. Both bodies showed severe burn injuries.