Boat carrying 22 passengers capsizes at ocean festival in Mombasa

A tragic accident at the ongoing East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports in Mombasa has left three passengers missing after a boat carrying 22 capsized.

The Kenya Red Cross in a post on X on Friday, October 10, 2025, confirmed that 19 passengers have been rescued safely, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.

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The organisation noted that a multi-agency team is actively responding to locate the missing individuals, working in coordination with local authorities and emergency personnel.

“A boat carrying 22 passengers capsized during the East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports. So far, 19 people have been rescued, while 3 remain missing,” the organisation wrote.

The humanitarian group revealed that search teams are combing both the waters and the surrounding areas, and continuous updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

 Kenya Red Cross reassured that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the safe recovery of the missing passengers.

“Search and Rescue operations are ongoing, with a multi-agency team actively responding to locate the missing persons,” they added.

Similar accidents

The tragic accident comes just months after a series of boat incidents along Kenya’s coast, raising concerns over water safety during public events.

On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Kenya Red Cross confirmed that three separate boats capsized in different locations in Lamu and Kilifi counties, including Vidazini and Mnarani in Kilifi and Mutuni in Lamu.

The organisation noted that its teams braved rough sea conditions to rescue several people onboard, providing medical evaluation, offshore response, and lifeguard support.

“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. Our teams are on the ground supporting offshore response, medical evaluation and lifeguard services,” the statement explained.

“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,” it added.

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, another boat capsized in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East, with four people on board.

Kenya Red Cross reported that three people were rescued at Kiwayuu while one remained missing.

A multi-agency team comprising Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Coast Guard, and the Lamu County Government was activated to carry out search and rescue operations.

“One more boat has capsized in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East, with four people on board. Three individuals were rescued at Kiwayuu, while one person remains missing. 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 Kenya Red Cross stated.