Passangers Injured After A Boat Capsized At The Lamu’s Feared Channel

A boat carrying seven persons sank at a location in the Mtangawadha-Lamu Island canal, leaving them with minor wounds.

The catastrophe occurred along the dangerous Manda Bruno waterway while the six men and one lady were sailing the MV Al-Aun from Mtangawadha to Lamu Island.

Kauthar Alwyi, the Lamu County Kenya Red Cross Society coordinator, acknowledged the incident but noted that there were no fatalities reported.

Additionally, Mr. Alwyi pointed out that the society’s rescue crew reached the scene in time to save all seven passengers.

“The incident occurred at around mid-day. The boat they were traveling in was overpowered by strong tides. Its propeller was dislodged, which forced the boat to overturn before capsizing, however one of the victims is nursing injuries at Kingfahad County hospital,” said Kauthar.

The owner of the boat, Mr. Faraj Skanda, told Wananchi Reporting that the boat had not developed any mechanical challenges before the incident.

“Breakage of a boat outboard engine handle is normally as a result of high struggle with the tides which forces bolts to loosen,” noted Skanda who was not on the boat at the time of the accident.
The Manda Bruno Channel has experienced numerous mishaps, which has elevated its reputation to that of a problem area.

Recent events include an accident along the same stretch with a boat carrying the current Lamu County Women Representative Capt. Ruweida Obbo and other government officials, which occurred after their boat rammed a rock.