Governor Nassir orders safety checks on Coast vessels after boat tragedy

Two local tourists are missing after a boat capsized off the Nyali coast in Mombasa County. The accident happened on Saturday, September 12, 2026, when the vessel struck powerful sea waves while returning from Fort Jesus. The boat accommodated a crew of two and five local tourists. The journey had begun at 1:30 p.m. and the capsizing occurred at roughly 2:45 p.m. as the boat was making its way back.

A combined team from the Kenya Coast Guard, Navy, Police Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and members of the public responded to the incident. The captain and three tourists were rescued and are now in stable condition at Coast General Hospital. Two other passengers, Ken Barasa, 38, and Cynthia Barasa, 33, remain missing. One survivor managed to swim to the nearest beach, Kijani Beach, where first responders initiated the rescue operation.

The capsized boat was later towed to Jumeirah Beach, and search and rescue operations continued. The incident is currently under investigation. Separately, a 14-year-old pupil drowned in Lake Baringo while swimming alone in Akorian Sub-Location, Bartum Location, Marigat Sub-County. The tragic event transpired on Saturday, September 12, 2026, around 1:40 p.m. The deceased was a student at Ngenyin Comprehensive School.

Police arrived at the scene and Coast Guard personnel retrieved the boy's body, which is currently preserved at Baringo County Referral Hospital Mortuary pending autopsy. Police and Coast Guard authorities have warned the public, especially children, to be cautious around the lake and avoid swimming in unsafe conditions.