Four people are missing after a boat capsized at Kwa Bruno Channel in Lamu County.
In a statement on Thursday, May 21, the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) stated that four people have so far been rescued and rushed to the hospital as emergency teams race against time to trace the remaining victims.
The incident, which occurred in the LAPSSET area, prompted an immediate search-and-rescue operation led by the Kenya Red Cross, in coordination with other responders.
KRCS confirmed that the rescued survivors were receiving medical attention, while efforts to locate the missing persons were ongoing.
“Search and rescue efforts are ongoing following a boat capsize incident at Kwa Bruno Channel near the LAPSSET area in Lamu County,” the agency said.
“Four people have been rescued and taken to the hospital, while search efforts continue for four missing persons.”
Four Missing After Boat Capsizes at Kwa Bruno Channel in Lamu County
The response involved Kenya Red Cross aqua divers, Beach Management Unit and community fishing boats.
KRC added that its aqua divers are working hand in hand with local responders and fishermen as the operation presses on in the area.
Also Read: Boats Carrying 19 People Collide
The cause of the accident has not yet been established by the time of publishing.
Past Boat Incidents in Lamu
Lamu County has recorded at least six marine-related accidents so far in 2026 alone, underscoring a persistent safety challenge in the region’s waters, where dozens of boat capsize incidents have been reported over the past several years.
The local Fisheries and Sea Transport Department (FSTD) notes that marine mishaps remain a recurring concern, with the archipelago historically recording an average of 12 to 15 deaths annually across its deep-sea channels.
This year alone, six marine accidents have already been reported, leaving several people dead and others missing, as authorities continue to grapple with safety enforcement and emergency response along the busy coastal waterways.
Also Read: Coast Guard Launches Search After Boat With 6 Onboard Loses Contact in Pacific
Today’ incident comes nearly a week after four people were critically injured following a boat collision involving two vessels carrying 19 passengers at Kilindi in Lamu County.
According to a statement by the Kenya Red Cross, the incident occurred on Saturday morning when the two boats collided, causing one of them to capsize and leaving several passengers injured.
The four critically injured victims were evacuated to King Fahad Hospital for specialized treatment.
“A boat capsize incident involving a collision between two boats carrying 19 people occurred this morning at Kilindi, Lamu County,” the Kenya Red Cross said.
