Missing cargo vessel MV Chamda III found in Malindi waters

The Madagascar-flagged cargo vessel MV Chamda III, which went missing last month while sailing from Tanga to Madagascar, has been located off the coast of Malindi and safely towed to shore.

The vessel, which departed Tanga on July 30, 2024, was carrying 17 crew members, two passengers, and a cargo of anointing oil.

According to a Tuesday press statement by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA), the Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre received a distress call on August 3, at around 1140 hours from MV Chamda III, identified by MMSI number 647861302.

It is reported the vessel lost electrical power on July 31 and drifted for four days before crossing into Kenyan waters.

The initial distress signal was then picked up by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Dar es Salaam, which later handed over the incident to the KMA's Regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mombasa.

“The Search and Rescue operation was coordinated by the Authority in collaboration with the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Navy, Kenya Ports Authority and the local communities who had been on the lookout,” the press release by KMA’s Director General Martin Dzombo Munga stated.

MV Chamda III that was rescued by multi-agency team. (X/Kenya Coast Guard Service)

According to KMA, on the evening of August 4, the vessel was sighted near Malindi.

KCGS P.V. Doria towed the MV Chamda III to Mbaraki Wharf, where it arrived safely at 0230 hours on August 5.

“After berthing of the vessel at Mbaraki wharf, a multiagency team boarded the vessel for a routine procedure following a maritime search & rescue incident, to ascertain that all crew and passengers were safe, to identify any medical needs and establish liaison arrangements if necessary to ensure the crew and passengers are safely repatriated to their home country.”

Kenya Maritime Authority's Port State Control Officers inspected the vessel and are now in consultation with the local agent and Madagascar authorities to facilitate necessary repairs. They noted the repairs are essential to ensure the vessel's safety for its onward journey.

KMA Director General Eng. Martin Dzombo Munga expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the successful rescue of the MV Chamda III.

“We appreciate the immense support accorded by the multi-agency team in ensuring a successful search and rescue operation. All the crew and the two passengers are safe.”