Kenyan, German drown in ill-fated rescue mission in Kwale

Two people, a Kenyan and a German, drowned on Wednesday night in the Indian Ocean after they tried to rescue three colleagues who had called for help when they were caught up in high tides.

The three survived in the drowning incident that happened on the Diani coastline in Kwale County.

According to Kenyan Maritime Authority acting director-general Cosmas Cherop, the two drowned after their floaters were swept away by strong tides.

Mr Cherop said the swimmers, who were on a church mission, were using tubes as floaters.

“But they were overwhelmed by the receding tides. The tide was very strong. They cried for help and their two colleagues went to their rescue unfortunately the water became rough and they drowned,” he said.

Mr Cherop said Kwale County government and Red Cross officials sent divers to rescue them but it was too late and the rescue mission had to be called off at 8pm.

“But on Thursday morning we retrieved one body and the other body was found [later during the day],” he added.

Mr Cherop urged beach hotel owners to ensure they have permanent life guards at the hotels to rescue swimmers.

He said the authority would train their 100 staff on diving skills.

The two deaths come a year after seven pupils from St Martin Primary School in Kahuro, Murang’a County, drowned in Kwale. Tides are usually strong and high in August.

“Anyone who has a water vessel and boat management units, especially boat owners, must ensure they give their passengers life jackets in case of any calamity. Water is not a friend to anyone,” he warned.

The bodies were taken to the Pandya Hospital mortuary.