Forty individuals were safely rescued after the passenger vessel MV Siri Ya Mafanikio capsized in the waters off Mkondoni, Kwale County on Saturday.
The vessel, which departed from Shimoni at 8:00 a.m. heading to Pemba, was carrying 10 crew members and 30 passengers when it overturned. According to the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), the incident was caused by strong winds and rough sea conditions.
Upon receiving a distress call, officers from the Shimoni Station promptly launched a search and rescue operation. All passengers and crew were accounted for with no reported casualties.
The KCGS highlighted the importance of rapid response in maritime emergencies along Kenya's coastline, commending the personnel involved for their dedication to safeguarding lives at sea.
Following the rescue, the vessel’s wreckage was towed to Shimoni Port Zone where investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the capsizing. The Coast Guard has not disclosed whether any injuries occurred during the incident or if the vessel sustained prior damage.
