A tragic incident marred the East African Ocean Festival in Mombasa on Friday, October 10, when a dragon boat carrying members of the Kijiweni Beach Management Unit (BMU) team capsized during a competitive race at Tudor Creek.
According to a statement from the festival’s organizing committee, nineteen members of the team were successfully rescued from the waters. However, three individuals remain missing as rescue efforts continue.
A coordinated search and rescue operation is currently underway, led by the Kenya Navy and the Kenya Coast Guard Service, with assistance from other emergency response agencies and volunteers. Authorities have assured the public that all necessary resources have been deployed to locate the missing participants.
“The safety of all participants is our utmost priority. We are working closely with relevant authorities to ensure every effort is made to find the missing individuals,” read part of the committee’s statement.
In the wake of the incident, the organizing committee has suspended all remaining festival activities to allow full focus on search and recovery operations. The decision reflects the festival’s commitment to safety and solidarity with the affected team and families.
“Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families, teammates, and everyone impacted by this unfortunate event,” the statement added.
The East African Ocean Festival is one of the region’s most celebrated maritime events, showcasing water sports, traditional boat racing, and coastal culture. The festival attracts participants and spectators from across East Africa, promoting unity and appreciation for ocean-based livelihoods and recreation.
As rescue efforts continue, local authorities have urged the public to exercise caution around coastal waters and to follow safety guidelines during marine events.
