Three missing as boat capsizes during East Africa Ocean Festival in Mombasa
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 19 passengers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the three individuals who remain unaccounted for.
A boat carrying 22 passengers capsized on Friday, October 10, 2025, during the ongoing East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports in Mombasa, leaving three people missing.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 19 passengers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continue to locate the three individuals who remain unaccounted for.
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"So far, 19 people have been rescued, while 3 remain missing. Search and Rescue operations are ongoing, with a multi-agency team actively responding to locate the missing persons," said the Kenya Red Cross in a statement on X.
Distressed families flocked to the scene seeking information about their loved ones. Some are demanding access to footage of the event to understand what led to the tragic incident, while others decried the lack of adequate rescue measures by the event organisers, saying their calls for help went unanswered.
This tragic incident comes just months after a series of similar accidents along Kenya’s coast, raising concerns about maritime safety during public events.
On May 24, 2025, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that three separate boats capsized in Lamu and Kilifi counties, including Vidazini and Mnarani in Kilifi and Mutuni in Lamu. Rescue teams braved rough sea conditions to save several people, providing medical evaluation, offshore response, and lifeguard support.
On May 25, 2025, another boat carrying four people capsized in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East. Three individuals were rescued near Kiwayuu Island, while one person remained missing.
The back-to-back marine accidents came amid a weather alert from the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of dangerous sea conditions along the Coast.
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