Somali, Yemen boats detained in Lamu

Security officers in Lamu are detaining three foreign boats that were found to have illegally crossed into Kenyan territorial waters.

Lamu County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri confirmed to the Nation on Friday that the vessels are currently being held in Lamu.

He said the crew are being questioned by police and would be arraigned in court.

One of the vessels is from Yemen while the other two are from Somalia.

Mr Kanyiri said Kenya Navy officers and Marine Police patrolling the Indian Ocean detained the boats after the crew failed to produce legal documents showing they were allowed to conduct any business in Kenyan waters.

Mr Kanyiri also said the vessels were not properly registered as per the Maritime Authority regulations.

“The captains failed to justify what they were doing in Kenyan territory,” he said.

Earlier this week, Mr Kanyiri ordered boat operators in Lamu to conduct their business between 5am and 11pm.

He also directed them to register their boats with the Kenya Ports Authority.