One more boat capsized in the Chanu Channel, Lamu East, with four people on board on May 25, 2025.
The accident follows a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Department about strong southerly winds and large waves expected along the Kenyan coast.
Kenya Red Cross, in a statement, said three individuals were rescued at Kiwayuu, while one person remains missing.
A multi-agency team comprising the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Maritime Authority, Coast Guard and the Lamu County Government has been activated for search and rescue operations.
Kilifi & Lamu Accidents
This comes after three boat incidents were reported at Vidazini and Mnarani in Kilifi and Mutuni in Lamu on the morning of May 24.
The Agency said several people had been rescued and search efforts were ongoing despite rough sea conditions.
It also dispatched teams on the ground to support offshore response, medical evaluation and lifeguard services.
Deep sea rescue efforts were supported by the Coast Guard, KMA and Beach Management Units (BMUs), with beach patrol and lifeguard support from the County Governments of Mombasa, Lamu and Kilifi.
Mombasa Closes Public Beaches
Following the advisory, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir announced the closure of all public beaches from May 23rd to 25t.
According to a notice dated May 23, 2025, the move was due to projected strong winds reaching up to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) and wave heights of up to 2.5 meters.
Nassir explained that the conditions pose significant risks to public safety, marine activities, and coastal infrastructure, prompting precautionary measures.
Also Read: Weatherman Warns of Strong Winds and Large Waves Affecting 15 Counties
“All public beaches in Mombasa County shall remain closed for 2 days effective immediately. All beach-related activities are strictly prohibited during this period,” the statement read in part.
He convened an emergency meeting of the County Disaster Preparedness Committee after the weather warning.
“Together, they reviewed the forecast and assessed the risks to public safety, leading to the decision to close all public beaches and suspend coastal activities as precautionary measures,” read another part of the statement.
Also Read: All Public Beaches in Mombasa Closed as Emergency Precaution
Kenya Met Forecast
In the forecast, Kenya Met said the wind speed is expected to strengthen to more than 35 knots (18.0 m/s) on May 24, 2025 and Sunday, 25th May 2025.
Wind speeds are likely to reduce to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Monday 26th May, 2025.
“Wave heights are likely to be more than 2.0 meters over the Kenya coastal waters from Friday, 23rd May 2025 to Sunday, 25th May 2025. They are expected to reduce to below 2.0 meters on Monday, 26th May 2025,” Kenya Met said.
Areas of concern include Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa and Kwale.
Residents in the mentioned areas were advised to be on the lookout for very strong winds and large waves over the Indian Ocean.
“Strong winds may blow off roofs and cause structural damage. Large waves may lower visibility and affect marine activities,” the Weatherman said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
