Two local tourists die after boat capsizes in Watamu

Two women lost their lives when a tourist boat overturned in the Indian Ocean off Watamu, Kilifi County, on Sunday, August 30, 2026. The vessel, named Assalwa, was en route to Watamu Beach from the Sun Palm Hotel, where six Italian tourists had been staying since August 22. The cruise was scheduled to conclude on September 1. Alongside the tourists, five locals, three tour guides, and two crew members were aboard.

When the boat capsized due to powerful ocean waves, the passengers alerted authorities, who swiftly dispatched local divers to assist. Although all occupants were eventually rescued, Alice Wambui, a 35-year-old woman, and Janira Sarah, a 26-year-old tour guide, were found unconscious and were transported to a hospital. Tragically, they succumbed to their injuries upon arrival.

Police from Watamu Police Station and Crime Scene Investigators from Malindi attended to the incident, documenting the scene and preparing the bodies for postmortem examinations. The bodies are currently at Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary. Local authorities have cautioned tour guides to exercise caution while navigating the ocean due to changing weather conditions. Recently, there has been an increase in similar incidents in the area.