Rescue operation is underway in Lamu County after a passenger boat capsized in the Indian Ocean on Thursday morning, May 21, 2026. Authorities have confirmed four people have been rescued alive and rushed to hospital, while the other four missing are continue to search for by divers and local fishermen.
The incident occurred at Kwa Bruno Channel near the LAPSSET area in Lamu County, the Kenya Red Cross has confirmed.
Witnesses say the boat was overturned by strong ocean waves throwing the passenger into the water, prompting immediate response from the local fishermen and Kenya Coast Guard officers.
The search has brought together Kenya Red Cross aqua divers, Beach Management Unit officials and the local fishing boats, with the humanitarian agency confirming all teams actively responding to the operation.
The incident is not the first of its kind, as it is reported that there have been at least six marine -related accidents since the beginning of the year, contributing to several boats capsizing in the region.
The Local Fisheries and Sea Transport Department (FSTD) has noted, on an average, 12 to 15 deaths are reported annually.
