A speedy intervention by the Kenya Coast Guard Service successfully rescued a man who jumped overboard from a ferry in the Likoni Channel on Saturday evening.
The dramatic rescue unfolded at Mombasa’s bustling crossing point, where Coast Guard officers from the Kilindini Station collaborated with bystanders to retrieve the man from the water. He was safely returned to shore, where he was reported to be alive and in stable condition.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Kenya Coast Guard Service announced:
“RESCUE OPERATION | The Kilindini Station of the Kenya Coast Guard Service, in partnership with the public, successfully rescued an individual who jumped overboard from a ferry vessel in the Likoni Channel yesterday,” the agency stated.
The Coast Guard further confirmed that the man was subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further assistance.
“The individual was brought to safety and transferred to the relevant authorities in stable condition,” the Coast Guard reported. They also indicated that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials have yet to clarify the reasons behind the man’s decision to jump into the water or whether any foul play was involved.
The Likoni Channel stands as one of Kenya’s busiest ferry crossings, linking Mombasa Island to the south coast. While incidents of passengers falling or jumping into the water are infrequent, they necessitate prompt emergency responses due to the strong currents and heavy ferry traffic.
Rising concerns over coastal safety have emerged in light of a separate accident in Lamu County on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
In that incident, two boats collided at Kilindi in Lamu, resulting in 14 injuries, with four individuals in critical condition. The Kenya Red Cross reported a rapid response from its teams, who collaborated with local divers and community responders to assist the victims.
“A boat capsize incident involving a collision between two vessels carrying 19 people occurred this morning at Kilindi, Lamu County,” stated the Kenya Red Cross. They added, “Four critically injured casualties were evacuated to King Fahad Hospital, while 14 individuals with minor injuries received treatment on-site.”
This Lamu accident underscores the persistent risks in Kenya’s coastal waters, where many residents rely on boats for daily transport. Authorities have previously attributed such incidents to factors like overcrowding, poor visibility, and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations.
