Mombasa sets new rules for sea activities after tragic boat accident
By Paulette Mboga, October 13, 2025Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has announced new safety measures requiring all sea events to get clearance from the County Security Committee before taking place.
The directive follows the MV Dragon tragedy that occurred during the East African Ocean Festival at Tudor Watersports in Mombasa County.
Governor Nassir, on Monday, October 13, 2025, while addressing the press, said the decision was made after a final debrief with a multi-agency rescue team that included the Kenya Navy, the Kenya Coast Guard, county officials, and area leaders. He said the move aims to strengthen safety and ensure proper coordination during sea activities.
“Flanked by my Deputy H.E. Francis Thoya, I joined the multi-agency rescue team led by Col. Mulumba, our County team under CECM Dan Manyala and Jomvu MP Badi Twalib for a final debrief on the MV Dragon operation,” said Nassir. “We commend all officers and volunteers who worked tirelessly. Going forward, sea events will require clearance by the County Security Committee, and the Kenya Coast Guard will investigate and publish its findings.”
Governor announces plans to recruit lifeguards
In addition to the new rule, Nassir said the county will begin recruiting lifeguards from Beach Management Units to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve emergency response along the coastline. He said this will ensure that trained personnel are always available to assist in case of accidents.
“We’ll also recruit lifeguards from our Beach Management Units to boost disaster preparedness. May the departed rest in peace,” he added.
The governor’s remarks came after the recovery of two more bodies following the MV Dragon incident.
“On 12 October, the team was able to recover the body of Caleb Atieno, who was only 21 years old. On 13 October, that is today morning, we were able to recover the body of Steven Karembo, who was 23 years old,” the governor said.
The tragedy happened on October 10, 2025, when a boat carrying 22 people capsized during the festival. Members of the Kenya Navy managed to rescue 19 people, three of whom were in critical condition and were taken to Coast General Hospital for treatment.
A joint operation by the Kenya Navy, the Kenya Red Cross, the Mombasa County Government, and members of the local community was launched immediately to search for the missing individuals.