Forty people were rescued after a passenger vessel capsized off the coast of Mkondoni in Kilifi County, the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) confirmed on Sunday, August 2, 2026.
The vessel, MV Siri Ya Mafanikio, was en route from Shimoni to Pemba when it overturned in turbulent waters caused by strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Incident Details
- The vessel departed Shimoni at 8:00 a.m. carrying 10 crew members and 30 passengers.
- KCGS received a distress call and promptly launched a search and rescue operation.
- All 40 individuals on board were rescued with no fatalities reported.
Rescue and Aftermath
Upon arrival, KCGS personnel found the vessel capsized off Mkondoni. The rescue operation was conducted under challenging weather conditions, highlighting the Coast Guard's quick response capabilities.
Following the rescue, the wreckage of MV Siri Ya Mafanikio was towed to Shimoni Port for further investigation to determine the cause of the capsizing.
The Coast Guard did not disclose whether there were injuries or if the vessel sustained damage prior to or during the incident.
Maritime Safety Emphasis
The Kenya Coast Guard Service reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring rapid response to maritime emergencies along the Kenyan coastline. Authorities continue to stress the importance of vessel safety, especially during adverse weather conditions.
