Rescue mission underway for 3 missing Lamu fishermen

Search is underway for three fishermen whose boat capsized at Kiwayu Island in Lamu East on August 17, 2018. PHOTO | KALUME KAZUNGU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The fishermen were heading to Kiwayu and Ndau Islands from Kizingitini Island when the boat christened Subira capsized in the deep seas.

  • Boat capsized on Thursday afternoon but one of the fishermen who swam to safety reported the incident on Friday morning.

A search and rescue mission is underway in Lamu East for fishermen whose boat capsized at Kiwayu Island.

The boat capsized on Thursday afternoon with four fishermen on board.

The fishermen were heading to Kiwayu and Ndau Islands from Kizingitini Island when the boat christened Subira capsized in the deep seas.

One of the fishermen Omar Shali Sharif swam to safety and reported the incident to the local chief on Friday morning.

The names of the three missing fishermen are Mr Athman Ali Gogo, Mr Lali Shali and Mr Huri Kale Shebwana.

Confirming the incident on Friday, Lamu County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said search and rescue mission is already underway.

However, Mr Kanyiri said the efforts were being hampered by turbulent tidal waves often experienced in Kiwayu and its environs.

“It’s true. The tragic incident happened at sea involving a fishing vessel called Subira. One fisherman has already been rescued while three others are missing. The search and rescue team involving our marine police and local divers is however experiencing some difficulties due to the turbulent tidal waves experienced in the area of tragedy at the moment,” said Mr Kanyiri.

Mr Kanyiri has called on seamen and fishermen in the area to exercise caution while at sea.

“There is need for them to be in touch with their beach management units when they go on fishing expeditions or at least register their departure,” said Mr Kanyiri.

Incidents of people dying in sea and others going missing are nothing new in Lamu.

On June 1 this year, two fishermen died while three others were rescued after their boat capsized at Manda-Maweni in Lamu.

One of the worst boat accidents in Lamu occurred last year when Lamu ODM politician Shekue Kahale lost 12 of his family members, among them his wife and four children.

Their boat had unfortunately capsized at Manda Bruno area known for its gigantic waves. The politician survived after hours of swimming.

On June 20 last year, 10 people perished when a dhow that had aboard 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 at sea at the time.