One missing after boat capsizes in Lamu as rough seas trigger multiple marine accidents
The back-to-back marine accidents come amid a weather alert from the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of dangerous sea conditions along the Coast.
One person has been reported missing after a boat carrying four people capsized on Sunday morning in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, the three other occupants were rescued near Kiwayuu Island, while efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individual.
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Kenya Red Cross said a multi-agency team has been deployed to support the search and rescue operation.
“A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Coast Guard and the Lamu County government has been activated for search and rescue operations,” the agency said.
The incident comes just a day after three other boat accidents were reported across Kilifi and Lamu counties on Saturday morning, May 24.
Kenya Red Cross said the earlier incidents occurred at Vidazini and Mnarani in Kilifi County and Mutuni in Lamu County. Several people were rescued, though a number remain unaccounted for.
“Three boat capsize incidents were reported this morning at Vidazini and Mnarani in Kilifi and Mutuni in Lamu. Several people have been rescued, with search efforts ongoing despite rough sea conditions,” the agency said.
“Our teams are on the ground supporting offshore response, medical evaluation, and lifeguard services. Deep sea rescue efforts are being supported by the Coast Guard, KMA, and Beach Management Units (BMUs), with beach patrol and lifeguard support from the county governments of Mombasa, Lamu and Kilifi.”
Met warning
The back-to-back marine accidents come amid a weather alert from the Kenya Meteorological Department warning of dangerous sea conditions along the Coast.
In a weekend weather advisory, the department warned of large waves exceeding two meters between Friday, May 23 and Sunday, May 25, 2025, adding that conditions are expected to ease by Monday, May 26.
The weatherman also cautioned that strong southerly winds, exceeding 30 knots (15.4 metres per second), would affect the Coast, south eastern lowlands, and north western regions during the same period.
In response to the alert, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir on Friday ordered the immediate closure of all beaches in the county and suspended all marine activities.
“The Meteorological Department has projected wind speeds of up to 25 knots (12.9 metres per second) and wave heights of up to 2.5 metres between 23rd and 25th May 2025, posing serious risks to public safety, marine activities, and coastal infrastructure,” Nassir said.
“Following comprehensive consultations, the following precautionary measures have been adopted. All marine and ocean-related commercial or recreational activities, including fishing and water sports, are suspended until further notice,” he said.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
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