A large-scale search and rescue operation has ended after the tragic boat accident during the East African Ocean Festival (TEAOF) in Tudor, Mombasa on Friday last week.
A multi-agency disaster management team, with the help of Beach Management Units, recovered the bodies of three young men who drowned during the incident.
Speaking after a meeting with the disaster management team, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir said the tragedy prompted the second largest disaster response in Mombasa since the Likoni Ferry Tragedy 2019.
The search and recovery mission involved 14 boats and 250 personnel, including the county disaster team, Kenya Coast Guard, the Red Cross and Beach Management Units (BMUs).
“On 12th of October at 1546hrs, the team was able to recover the body of Caleb Otieno, 21 years old. At 0109hrs on 13th of October, we recovered Stephen Karembo, 23, and thereafter at 0113hrs, we got Thomas Wanyonyi, 24,” Governor Nassir said.
The bodies were recovered at different points, with two found farther from the accident site, one near Nyali Bridge. All were taken to the Coast General Hospital mortuary.
On Sunday during a visit at the scene by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, emotions ran high at the Tudor scene as families gathered to mourn and demand answers.
“We have confirmation from the national government and the county government that we will be able to assist in the burial expenses for these bodies,” Nassir added.
Psychological support will also be provided by the Kenya Red Cross Society, Community 911 and the county psychosocial teams.
“Emotions have been very high and it is expected. Psychological support will be offered to survivors and families of the deceased,” he noted.