Three people killed after boat capsizes in Watamu

Three people have died after the boat they were in capsized off Watamu beach in Kilifi County.

The boat was carrying 28 passengers including 15 foreign tourists on Saturday afternoon.

According to witnesses, the boat was hit by a strong wave and capsized leaving the three, including a five-year-old who was on holiday with his parents from Nairobi, and two other residents of Watamu dead.

“Tunasikitika kwa mkasa uliotupata leo hapa Watamu...ilikuwa boat ya Smokeline ambayo ilikua imebeba wageni,” Ali Bakar, a resident, said.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers and Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve Warden arrived at the scene on a search and rescue mission. Two bodies had been retrieved by Saturday evening.

Those rescued are reported to be in stable condition as a search operation for the third person is underway.

The residents have decried the lack of rescue teams in cases of accidents. 

“Tatizo ni kuwa unapotokea mkasa wa aina hii, haupatikani usaidizi wa haraka,” Swaleh Ali, another resident, stated.