A one-year-old girl has died and a teenage student is missing after a hippo attacked a canoe on Kenya's Tana River, causing it to capsize. The incident occurred near Mikinduni Village, and 16 people have been pulled from the water.
Attack and Rescue
The canoe was carrying 18 farmers and children when the hippopotamus attacked, according to police. The 20-month-old girl drowned, and another young passenger remains unaccounted for. It is feared the missing child may also be dead.
Recovery and Investigation
Officials confirmed the baby's body was recovered and taken to the mortuary at Hola County Referral Hospital for a postmortem exam. Police believe the missing child is a Form Three student, which in Kenya would make the girl aged 16 or 17. The Chanani Secondary School student has not yet been found, and investigations continue.
Context
Hippo attacks are common in the area despite regular crossings taking place at the Tana River.
