Lamu records fewer marine fatalities in 2024 amid improved rescue operations

Lamu County recorded fewer deaths from marine-related accidents, with six fatalities reported in the Indian Ocean across the archipelago in 2024.

Compared to previous years, when tens of deaths were recorded—often attributed to windy and rough tidal waves—this year was notably calmer, with fewer vessels capsizing and causing tragedies in Lamu's waters.

Statistics from the Lamu County Disaster Response Team (DRT) indicate that at least 20 people were rescued in Lamu this year. These figures reflect significant improvements in the search and rescue missions conducted during maritime hazards or accidents, compared to previous years, when fatalities were much higher.

Lamu DRT team leader and Disaster Management Director Shee Kupi during an interview with The Eastleigh Voice. He discusses the six fatalities in maritime-related accidents in Lamu County in 2024. (Farhiya Hussein)

Lamu County Disaster Response Team Leader Shee Kupi, who also serves as the Disaster Management Director in the region, explained that the reported cases included vessel capsizes, sailors or boats going missing and later being rescued, distress calls, swimming failures, vessel fires, and incidents of boats cracking and sinking. These were among the scenarios handled by the sea rescue team.

“This year, 2024, from January to November, maritime accidents reported across the Lamu archipelago reduced to just 17. Six people died, while over 20 were rescued by DRT officers during SAR (Search and Rescue) operations. This is a great improvement compared to previous years,” said Kupi.

He credited the reduction in accidents, fatalities, and injuries in Lamu’s Indian Ocean waters to regular sea safety and security training provided to local seafarers by maritime bodies such as the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).

The establishment of a well-coordinated team led by the Lamu DRT, along with the creation of the County Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) at Mokowe on the mainland, has also contributed to reducing deaths from marine accidents in the county.

“We are well-prepared as the DRT. Our team consists of six specialised divers and four traditional SAR operatives, making a total of ten officers. Each team member has undergone rigorous training and is equipped with maritime safety and SAR skills, complemented by local sea navigation expertise. This has significantly helped avert loss of life at sea,” said Kupi.

Lamu County Disaster Response Team in action during a previous boat accident at Matondoni in Lamu County. (Farhiya Hussein)

The special team operates around the clock across the Lamu archipelago, enabling prompt responses to maritime accidents at any time.

Prospective DRT members must pass stringent tests and meet specific qualifications, including a thorough understanding of the sea and its behaviour, before joining the team.

“We ensure all qualifications are met, as not everyone has the mental or physical capacity to handle various aspects of SAR operations, whether in management, communications, or on-the-ground rescue efforts,” Kupi added.

Despite these improvements, ocean users in the archipelago continue to urge the county and national governments to establish more search and rescue stations, particularly in Lamu East Sub-County, to reduce delays in response times when accidents occur.

Historically, Lamu has witnessed 12 to 15 deaths annually from marine accidents. For instance, in August 2021 alone, seven fishermen died in a single incident, while 12 boats capsized in Lamu.

“We need a fully equipped marine search and rescue substation established either at Mtangawanda in Lamu East or at the Lamu Port area in Kililana,” said Ahmed Bwana, a fisherman.

Another fisherman, Salim Bahero, expressed optimism that such facilities would enhance water transport infrastructure, including maritime communication, navigation aids, and inland waterways.

Lamu County Disaster Response Team. (Farhiya Hussein)

Mohamed Somo, an official from the Lamu County Beach Management Units (BMU) Network, highlighted that fishermen and other sea users often struggle to get timely assistance during ocean accidents.

“It sometimes takes up to 12 hours for rescue boats to arrive at an accident scene, often when lives have already been lost. The government must implement effective measures and provide practical resources, such as fast rescue boats and trained crews on standby 24/7, to save lives during marine emergencies,” said Somo.

The most tragic marine accident in Lamu’s Indian Ocean waters occurred in August 2017, when a boat capsized in the Manda Bruno channel. Over 10 family members of Lamu ODM politician Shekuwe Kahale, alias Mwanati, including his children, lost their lives.