Questions have been raised following a tragic boat accident that overshadowed the East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The event, which happens once in a year, and was meant to celebrate water sports and coastal heritage, turned into a scene of panic after a boat carrying 22 participants capsized in the middle of a dragon boat race. Nineteen people were rescued and taken to nearby health facilities, while three others still remain missing.
Survivors Blame Slow Response
Some of the survivors have blamed both the organisers and the rescue teams for what they described as a slow and poorly coordinated response.
Marvon Mejole, one of the participants, said they struggled in the water for several minutes before help arrived.
“We fought for our lives for quite some time before anyone could come. Only two rescue boats and one ring floater were available to save all 22 of us,” he recounted.
No Life Jackets Provided
Another participant, Ishmael Onyango from the Kijiweni Uplifters team in Bangladesh, Mombasa, accused the organisers of negligence, claiming that most competitors took part without life jackets.
“During training, we all used life jackets, but on the race day, only one team had them. We were close to the finish line when our boat overturned. Everything happened so fast,” he said.
Search and Rescue Efforts
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir visited the site on Saturday, October 11, and confirmed that a multi-agency operation had been launched to locate the missing participants.
“We are working with the Kenya Navy, Coast Guard, Maritime Authority, and other government agencies. The county has also provided fire, rescue, and medical teams,” the governor said.
In a later update, Governor Nassir assured families that the County Government of Mombasa, together with the Kenya Red Cross and Community 911, was providing logistical, medical, and psychological support.
The Kenya Red Cross has also set up a help desk near Tudor Creek to assist families of the missing victims, who have camped along the shoreline as the search continues.
Public Demands Accountability
The tragedy has sparked public outcry, with many Kenyans questioning the safety measures at such apublic events. Social media users have called for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations and accountability from event organisers.
What was meant to be a vibrant showcase of teamwork and endurance has instead turned into a painful reminder of the dangers that come with poor preparation and lax safety standards.
