Body of missing Lamu fisherman found

Lamu Marine police and local divers have found the body of a fisherman who drowned after a boat he was in capsized at Manda-Maweni on Friday.

The body of Abel Jefwa Ngombo, 45, was recovered on the shores of the Indian Ocean near the scene of the accident.

“So far the ill-fated boat has not been found but we have generally called off the search mission in the Indian Ocean,” said Lamu West OCPD Juma Londo.

The fisherman was among five others who were in the boat when it capsized.

One person drowned and his body recovered was recovered on the same day while three others were rescued by fellow fishermen.

Meanwhile, police have released the names of the five occupants in the boat which capsized at Manda-Maweni on Friday evening.

Those who died have been identified as Abel Jefwa Ngombo, 45 and Rumlas Munga, 25.

Speaking to the Nation early Sunday morning, Lamu West OCPD Juma Londo said the bodies of the two have been given to their next of kin.

“All the occupants are from Kilifi County but were living in Lamu,” said Mr Londo.

Following the Friday incident, the Association of Fishermen and Sailors in Lamu County has faulted lack of clear planning to deal with sea disasters.

The association wants the county to set up a special unit to deal with marine-related accidents and disasters.

 “We are tired of the many deaths and injuries witnessed at sea every time a boat accident happens. We want a plan by both the county and national government on how marine accidents will be dealt with and save lives,” said Mr Hassan Mzee, the association’s chairman.

Boat accidents are nothing new in Lamu’s Indian Ocean waters.

On August 13 last year, Lamu Orange Democratic Movement politician Shekue Kahale lost 12 of his family members that included his four children, aunt, nephews and his wife when a boat they were travelling in from Kizingitini in Lamu East to Lamu Town capsized at Manda Bruno Channel which is known for its ferocious waves.

The politician was the lone survivor in the accident after spending hours of swimming.

On June 20 last year, 10 people perished when a dhow that had board 25 passengers and their luggage capsized at the Mkanda Channel in the Indian Ocean while travelling from Lamu to Ndau village in Lamu East because of rough tides.

On October 9 last year, four people who had been reported missing at sea were found alive by search team mounted by Kenya Red Cross and the Kenya Maritime Authority.

They had spent a night on the Indian Ocean after their boat was overpowered by rough tides usually experienced at the Manda Bruno area and swept away to Dodori area where they were later found.