Search-and-Rescue Underway After Boat Capsizes Off Lamu Coast

Lamu, Kenya — 2025-09-19 14:00 EAT. At least 18 people have been rescued after a boat capsized off the coast of Manda in Lamu County on Friday morning. Authorities say several passengers remain missing as search-and-rescue operations continue.

The Latest

• Incident: Boat capsized during a local boat race in Manda waters.

• Casualties: 18 rescued; number of missing passengers yet to be confirmed.

• Cause: Strong winds reportedly overturned the vessel.

• Response: Community members and fellow competitors assisted in the initial rescue before authorities arrived.

Voices & Stakeholders

• Faiz Amana, Community Leader: Described the rescue as challenging due to small boats with limited capacity.

• First Responders: Treated survivors for breathing difficulties and hypothermia at the shoreline.

• Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA): Expected to investigate causes and recommend safety measures.

Context & Safety Concerns

• Lamu has seen multiple accidents in recent months; three boats capsized in May, sparking calls for tighter maritime safety regulations.

• Informal water transport remains poorly regulated despite being the lifeline for many coastal communities.

• Safety campaigns often fail to reach local operators, especially around small fishing villages.

Risks & Implications

• Public Safety: Lack of enforcement on life jacket use and boat capacity limits increases risks.

• Tourism: Recurring accidents could deter visitors to the popular coastal county.

• Policy: May trigger renewed debate on maritime regulations and emergency preparedness funding.

What We Don’t Know

• Exact number of passengers aboard the ill-fated boat.

• Whether the boat met required maritime safety standards.

• Timeline for full search-and-rescue conclusion.

Timeline

• Sept 19, 10:00 a.m.: Boat capsizes during race in Manda waters.

• Sept 19, Noon: 18 people rescued by locals and competitors.

• Sept 19, Afternoon: Search-and-rescue mission continues; KMA announces probe.

What to Watch

• Kenya Maritime Authority investigation findings.

• Potential safety reforms for informal maritime transport.

• Identification of missing passengers and casualty updates.