Eight dead, 12 rescued as boat capsizes in Indian Ocean
Rescuers search for survivors in the Mkanda Channel, where a boat carrying more than 30 passengers from Lamu Town to Ndau Island in Lamu East capsized at around 10.30am on June 20, 2017. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Lamu East County Administrator Shee Kupi Shee confirmed that 8 bodies have already been recovered at the scene following a search operation following the 10.30am incident.
- Lamu Governor Issa Timamy who talked to the Nation shortly after reaching at the scene also confirmed that eight people had died while the search led by the Lamu County rescue team was still ongoing.
At least 10 people are feared dead after a passenger boat heading to Ndau village in Lamu East capsized in the Mkanda Channel following heavy tides in the Indian Ocean.
Speaking to the Nation on Tuesday, Lamu East County Administrator Shee Kupi Shee confirmed that eight bodies had already been recovered at the scene in a search operation following the 10.30am incident.
Mr Kupi said 12 people had been rescued while three women were yet to be found.
The boat is said to have been carrying over 30 passengers when the incident happened.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy joins the county rescue team in a search in Indian Ocean following a boat tragedy on June 20, 2017. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
RESCUE
“So far we have eight bodies that we have recovered including four children of between 10 to 12 years and four adults. We have saved 12 people while we are still searching for three women. I will give details later,” said Mr Kupi.
Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who talked to the Nation shortly after arriving at the scene, also confirmed that eight people had died while the search led by the Lamu County rescue team was still under way.
One of the bodies recovered from the Indian Ocean on June 20, 2017 following a boat tragedy. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Mr Timamy, however, blamed the national disaster team made up of the Kenya Navy for their delay in launching the rescue operation.
“It’s very sad. This is a tragedy to Lamu. I am sending my message of condolence to the people of Ndau Island and Lamu County at large for the disaster that has befallen us.
“It is very unfortunate to lose our people in such a scenario. Many of those who have died are women and children,” said Mr Timamy.
President Uhuru Kenyatta send a message of condolences to the families of those who perished saying it was “sad that the incident occurred at a time when majority of the people in the area are observing the holy month of Ramadhan.”
The President urged all Kenyans to continue praying for the mercies of God to deliver the nation from such tragedies especially during this month when Muslims are fulfilling their religious obligation, a statement by the Presidential Strategic and Communications Unit (PSCU) said.
