Shock gripped passengers aboard a Likoni ferry on Sunday morning after an unidentified man leapt into the Indian Ocean in what appeared to be a suicide attempt. The incident occurred at around 5:45 a.m. as the vessel was en route from the mainland to the Island side, with dozens of commuters on board.
According to officials, the man left behind his mobile phone and a pair of slippers on the ferry deck before jumping into the ocean. The area where he plunged is believed to be among the deepest sections of the Likoni Channel, making rescue operations difficult. A rescue boat was immediately dispatched to the scene, but efforts to locate the man throughout the day proved unsuccessful.
Authorities confirmed that a coordinated search and rescue mission is ongoing. Teams from the Kenya Ports Authority and the Ferry Police Station are working together to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. Investigators are also analyzing the mobile phone left behind to help identify the victim.
Police described the incident as a suspected suicide but stated that the motive remains unclear. Officials said the search teams are continuing to comb the waters, though the strong currents and depth pose significant challenges.
Incidents of people jumping into the ocean from ferries have been reported frequently in the area, prompting authorities to place rescue teams on standby both aboard ferries and along the shoreline. In some cases, individuals have accidentally fallen into the water, while others have taken their own lives.
Mental health experts and government agencies have raised concerns about the rising number of suicides across the country. The World Health Organization attributes such cases to factors including unemployment, depression, financial difficulties, academic pressure, and family conflicts. Other contributors include substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, and genetic or psychological predispositions.
The government has reiterated its commitment to addressing mental health challenges by enhancing awareness, improving counseling services, and strengthening community support systems.
In a separate incident in Nairobi, tragedy struck in Eastleigh when a woman was run over by a lorry after falling from a moving motorcycle. The rider reportedly hit a bump, throwing the passenger onto the road, where she was fatally crushed by an oncoming truck. Police moved the body to the mortuary as investigations into the accident continue.
