Search continues for victims of Mombasa boat disaster amid calls for accountability

One body has been recovered while the search for two others continues following a tragic boat accident at Tudor Creek in Old Town, Mombasa, on Friday evening during the East Africa Ocean Festival.

The boat, which was part of a water sports event, capsized with more than 20 people on board. Nineteen survivors were rescued shortly after the incident, while recovery teams on Sunday retrieved one body as efforts to locate the remaining two victims intensified.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited the scene to convey condolences and oversee ongoing rescue operations.

Prof Kindiki expressed the government’s sympathy to the victims and their families, describing the tragedy as a painful end to what was meant to be a joyful event.

“We have been called here by your area MP, Mohamed Machele Mvita MP, following the tragedy that occurred. I also wish to acknowledge MP Badi Twalib, who was directly affected since the victims are from Jomvu constituency,” said Prof Kindiki.

Ended in tragedy

“What began as a joyful sporting activity unfortunately ended in tragedy. I take this opportunity to thank all those who participated in the rescue operation on Friday. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. If any mistakes were made, we sincerely apologise and assure you that such an incident will not be allowed to recur.”

He added that the national government would support the affected families and issue compensation once all the missing bodies are recovered.

“Compensation will be provided to the victims’ families after all the bodies have been retrieved,” Kindiki said, directing the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Navy and other rescue teams to continue the operation overnight until the two missing victims are found.

Tensions flared during the visit as some residents heckled government officials, demanding accountability from the event organisers. The Interior CS was forced to cut short his address amid growing anger from locals.

Some survivors accused organisers of negligence, claiming that safety precautions were ignored despite the high-risk nature of the sport.

“It is by sheer luck that we survived,” said one survivor. “We expected our safety to be prioritised, but we were left helpless. When the accident happened, there were no lifeguards. They gave us only one life jacket, yet we had 22 people on board.”

Call for calm

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir urged calm, asking the public to allow the recovery process to proceed respectfully.

“As we are here pointing fingers, let us also remember that some of our people need to bury their loved ones,” said Governor Nassir.

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• Search continues for victims of Mombasa boat disaster amid calls for accountability
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“There are over ten boats at the scene, and one body has already been recovered. I urge that only family members be allowed to access the area to help identify the body.”

Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, whose constituents were among the victims, called on the national government to take full responsibility and provide both psychological and financial support to the affected families.

“We want the government to take up this burden fully and support the affected families. Some of the survivors are deeply traumatised and need counselling. We also ask the authorities to compensate them for the shock and distress they went through,” Twalib said.

The tragedy has reignited debate over safety compliance in maritime sporting events along the Coast, with residents urging stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.