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Authorities have officially handed over the remains of six young people who tragically drowned in the Moa River during a birthday celebration last week to their families for burial.
The bodies were released today from the Kenema Government Hospital Mortuary following thorough post-mortem examinations, according to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Emmanuel Kpulun, Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kenema Division. Grieving relatives had gathered at the mortuary throughout the morning, awaiting the medical results before receiving their loved ones.
The fatal incident occurred on Thursday, May 15, at Kailondo Beach along the Moa River. The group had gathered to celebrate the birthday of Joshua Musa, who had traveled from Makeni for the occasion.
According to preliminary police investigations, the tragedy unfolded while the group was swimming. One of the victims, Messie Wongo, began struggling against the river’s strong currents. In a desperate attempt to rescue her, the other five individuals dove into the water but were quickly swept away by the heavy current.
The six victims—identified by police as Messie Wongo, Mamie Sellu, Mary Sannoh, Mamie Sillah, Foday Wai, and Joshua Musa—included four females and two males. All were residents of the Q-Line, Kpayama Section in Kenema District, and were reportedly members of a local social club known as “GF.”
Following the drownings, local fishermen and residents launched immediate rescue efforts using canoes and fishing nets. While several survivors managed to swim to safety and were treated for shock, the six victims could not be saved. Inspector Conteh and a team from the Kenema Police Division subsequently took over the search, recovery, and investigation operations.
The incident has plunged the Kpayama community into deep mourning. Seibatu Sillah, the elder sister of one of the deceased, described the event as devastating for both her family and the wider community.
The tragedy has also renewed urgent concerns regarding the dangers of the Moa River, particularly during the rainy season. Community leaders noted that rising water levels and aggressive currents make the river highly treacherous. Because the river serves as a major transport and livelihood route for villages lacking proper bridges, local residents are now calling for increased public safety measures and awareness campaigns to prevent similar tragedies as the rainy season intensifies.
