Two bodies have been recovered following a tragic boat accident that occurred during a boat racing event at the East African Oceanic Festival in Tudor, Mombasa. Authorities confirmed that a third victim remains missing as the search and recovery efforts continue.
The incident happened on Friday, October 10, 2025, during the knockout stage of the boat race, which featured nine competing teams. Among them were the Kenya Navy, Coast Guard, Maritime officials, Tourist Police, Kijiweni Youth Group, Mudhuba, BMU Mushomoroni, Bandari, TUMW, and Burhani Sports Club.
According to witnesses, the tragedy struck when the teams — Burhani, Kijiweni Youth, and Tourist Police — competed in a crucial round of the race. As the boats neared the finishing line, members of the Kijiweni Youth team reportedly stood up in excitement, destabilizing their boat. The vessel lost balance and overturned, throwing all 22 occupants into the water.
Rescue operations were immediately launched by fellow competitors, safety marshals, and emergency teams stationed at the event. Nineteen participants were successfully rescued, but three were reported missing. Following hours of intensive search efforts by a joint operation involving county authorities, the Kenya Coast Guard, and maritime rescue teams, two of the missing participants were found dead on Saturday morning. The search for the remaining victim is still ongoing.
Local officials have expressed deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures during such events. They also praised the swift response by the rescue teams, which helped save many lives despite the chaotic scene following the capsize.
Authorities noted that the East African Oceanic Festival attracts both local and regional participants each year, celebrating maritime culture and sportsmanship along Kenya’s coastline. However, the accident has reignited concerns over safety protocols, particularly regarding overloading, safety gear, and participant behavior during competitions.
The Mombasa County Police Commander assured that investigations are underway to establish the exact cause of the incident and to determine whether safety regulations were properly followed. He added that with the festive season approaching, both county and national agencies have put in place heightened maritime safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As rescue teams continue to scour the waters for the missing racer, the community mourns the loss of two participants whose passion for the sport ended in heartbreak. The organizers have pledged to support the victims’ families and review safety standards before resuming the event.
