Tourism operators seek seizure of ship harvesting sand off Diani beach

Tourism executive Adam Sheikh. He said if the ship is allowed to continue harvesting sand, it might deal a blow to tourism in the south Coast. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • They expressed concern that the vessel, which was seen on Friday, may have destroyed coral reefs at the beach.
  • Tourism executive Adam Sheikh said the vessel might have torn apart coral reefs, an important part of the marine ecosystem.
  • County Commissioner Evans Achoki said he had ordered the vessel crew to stop harvesting sand at the beach.
  • He said the KPA had informed him that the ship was testing equipment to be used in dredging for the Lamu Port project.

Tourism-based businesses want a ship that was spotted harvesting sand off the Diani beach impounded.

They expressed concern that the vessel, which was seen on Friday, may have destroyed coral reefs at the beach.

Tourism executive Adam Sheikh said the Panama-registered ship, Si Hang Cai Sha I, was found harvesting sand about two kilometres from the shore.

The vessel might have torn apart coral reefs, an important part of the marine ecosystem, he said.

“We are worried. If the ship is allowed to continue harvesting sand, it might deal a blow to tourism in the South Coast.

"The coral reefs attract divers from around the world and are home to marine species, including fish and crustaceans,” Mr Sheikh said. He asked maritime authorities to impound the ship.

Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch Vice-Chairman Vikram Korla said he had reported the matter to the Ministry of Transport and the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).

County Commissioner Evans Achoki said he had ordered the vessel crew to stop harvesting sand at the beach.

He said the KPA had informed him that the ship was testing equipment to be used in dredging for the Lamu Port project.

The county chief said KPA officials had assured him that the equipment test was conducted away from the coral reefs.