Forty people were rescued on Saturday after a passenger vessel capsized in waters off Mkondoni while travelling from Shimoni to Pemba in Kwale County.
According to the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), the vessel overturned after encountering strong winds and rough seas, prompting a swift search and rescue operation by officers from the Shimoni Station.
The vessel, MV Siri Ya Mafanikio, had departed Shimoni at 8.00 a.m bound for Pemba with 40 people on board, including 10 crew members and 30 passengers.
KCGS said it received a distress call shortly after the vessel encountered turbulent weather and immediately dispatched rescue teams to the scene.
“Upon arrival at the scene, MV Siri Ya Mafanikio was found capsized in waters off Mkondoni due to strong winds and rough seas. The vessel had departed Shimoni at 0800hrs bound for Pemba, carrying 10 crew members and 30 passengers,” the Service said.
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All 40 occupants were rescued safely, with no fatalities reported. Authorities confirmed that every passenger and crew member was accounted for following the rescue operation.
The agency said the successful mission highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response in protecting lives along Kenya’s coastline.
Following the rescue, the wreckage of MV Siri Ya Mafanikio was towed to the Shimoni Port Zone, where investigators are expected to examine the circumstance that led to the capsizing.
The Kenya Coast Guard Service did not indicate whether the vessel had sustained damage before overturning or whether any of the rescued passengers suffered injuries.
“The successful operation underscores KCGS personnel’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and ensuring a timely response to maritime emergencies,” the agency said.
Investigations are now underway to determine the exact cause of the maritime incident.
