A search operation is underway after a boat carrying members of the Kijiweni Beach Management Unit (BMU) team capsized during a dragon boat race at Tudor Creek in Mombasa on Friday, October 10, during the ongoing East African Ocean Festival.
According to an official statement from the festival’s Organizing Committee, nineteen team members were rescued immediately after the incident, while three individuals remain missing.
Rescue efforts are being coordinated by the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service, supported by other emergency response teams.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families, teammates, and all affected,” the committee said in its statement, adding that the safety of all participants remains the festival’s top priority.
Following the incident, organizers suspended all remaining festival activities to allow full attention to be directed toward the search and recovery operation.
The East African Ocean Festival is a major annual event celebrating maritime sports, coastal heritage, and ocean conservation, attracting teams and spectators from across the region.
The festival features various water-based competitions, including sailing, dragon boat racing, and traditional dhow contests.
Authorities have urged patience and cooperation as rescue teams continue to scour Tudor Creek for the missing participants.
The Organizing Committee said a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing will be conducted once the rescue operation is complete.
Source: Citizen Digital
Written By Rodney Mbua
