A boat carrying four people capsized in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East, adding to a series of maritime accidents along Kenya’s coastline amid severe weather warnings.
The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that three individuals were rescued near Kiwayuu, while one remains missing.
A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Coast Guard, and Lamu County Government has launched search and rescue operations.
Rough sea conditions have complicated efforts, but authorities remain determined to locate the missing person.
This incident follows three separate boat capsizes on Saturday in Vidazini and Mnarani (Kilifi) and Mutuni (Lamu), where multiple individuals were rescued despite challenging ocean conditions.
The Kenya Red Cross has been actively providing offshore response, medical aid, and lifeguard support. The accidents come just two days after Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir ordered the closure of all public beaches due to adverse weather conditions.
The Kenya Meteorological Department had warned of strong winds and high waves along the coast, prompting the shutdown over the weekend.
“We’ve suspended ocean activities and halted construction near the shore for public safety,” Governor Nassir stated, adding that the closure could extend to Monday if conditions do not improve.
The Kenya Meteorological Department issued an advisory on Friday, May 23, alerting residents in coastal and northern regions to prepare for winds exceeding 35 knots (18 m/s) and large ocean waves. Counties under warning include Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, and Tana River.
As search efforts continue, authorities urge fishermen and beachgoers to exercise extreme caution until the weather stabilizes.
