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Search and rescue operations are underway in Tudor Creek, Mombasa, after a boat carrying 22 people capsized during the East African Ocean Festival, raising urgent questions about maritime safety at public events.
Three individuals remain missing following a boat capsize on Friday, October 10, 2025, during a dragon boat race at the East African Ocean Festival (EAOF) in Tudor, Mombasa. The Kenya Red Cross confirmed that 19 people were rescued from the incident, which occurred near the finish line at Tudor Water Sports.
The ill-fated vessel, identified as MV Dragon, was carrying 22 participants when it overturned. Multi-agency teams, including the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and Tudor Water Sports divers, are actively involved in the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
This tragic incident is not isolated, coming just months after a series of similar marine accidents along the Kenyan coast. In May 2025, the Kenya Red Cross reported three separate boat capsizes in Lamu and Kilifi counties. Another incident on September 19, 2025, saw 18 individuals rescued after a boat capsized off Manda in Lamu County during a race.
These recurring incidents have amplified concerns regarding maritime safety, particularly during public events and festivals that draw large crowds to the waters. The East African Ocean Festival, now in its second edition, aims to promote ocean activities, marine tourism, and environmental conservation.
The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) is the principal body responsible for regulating, coordinating, and overseeing maritime affairs in Kenya. Its mandate includes enforcing safety of shipping, conducting regular inspections of vessels, and investigating maritime casualties. The KMA Act, 2006, and the Merchant Shipping Act, 2009, provide the legal framework for maritime safety in the country.
In August 2024, the KMA urged public input on new draft laws, including the Cabotage Regulations 2024 and Verified Gross Mass Regulations, aimed at enhancing maritime safety and efficiency. However, the frequency of recent accidents suggests a potential gap in the enforcement of existing regulations or the need for more stringent safety protocols, especially for recreational and competitive water events.
Mombasa County Chief Fire Officer and Disaster Coordinator, Ibrahim Basafar, confirmed that one rescued participant was in critical condition and was rushed to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital. Basafar also noted that some spectators at the scene became agitated and pelted county staff with pebbles, damaging an ICU ambulance and complicating rescue efforts.
A survivor of the capsize reported that none of the participants were wearing life jackets, raising serious questions about safety measures in place for the race. Victor Odongo, a participant from Bangladesh, questioned the safety arrangements for individuals brought from informal settlements to participate in such events.
The incident highlights significant risks associated with water sports and festivals if adequate safety measures are not rigorously enforced. The lack of life jackets, as reported by a survivor, is a critical concern that points to potential negligence in event organisation and oversight. Such tragedies can deter participation in marine tourism and water sports, impacting the coastal economy that relies heavily on these activities. They also underscore the need for robust emergency response protocols and crowd control during such events.
Key unanswered questions include whether all necessary permits and safety certifications were obtained for the dragon boat race, and who is ultimately responsible for ensuring participant safety, including the provision and mandatory use of life jackets. The organisers of the East African Ocean Festival are yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. The identities of the three missing individuals have not been officially released, though reports indicate they are from informal settlements in Jomvu sub-county.
The boat capsized on Friday, October 10, 2025, at approximately 5:30 PM EAT. Search and rescue operations commenced immediately and are ongoing as of Saturday, October 11, 2025. Authorities are reportedly considering cancelling the remainder of the festival. Mombasa County Executive for Lands and Urban Planning, Hussein Mohammed, stated that authorities are reviewing the participants' manifest to identify the missing individuals.
The focus remains on the ongoing search for the three missing individuals. Further investigations into the cause of the capsize and adherence to maritime safety regulations are anticipated. The incident may prompt a review of safety protocols for all water-based public events in Kenya, potentially leading to stricter enforcement by the Kenya Maritime Authority and local county governments. The response from the festival organisers and any potential legal ramifications will also be closely watched.
