A boat that capsized in Watamu killing three passengers was overloaded, Kilifi County Government said Sunday.
A Tourist Glass Boat MV. Holiday Jabulani capsized on Saturday morning while killing carrying 28 passengers including Captain and Crew.
A statement from the Emergency Response at Watamu Marine Park on Sunday said it has been discovered that the ill-fated water vessel had taken tourists – 13 Kenyan residents and 15 foreigners – on a snorkeling tour.
The number onboard had exceeded the capacity of the vessel and therefore acted as a huge contributor to the capsizing when the vessel was hit by “bad weather”.
“Possibility of bad weather at the time and in the later hours of the day also contributed to the accident considering the above inappropriate condition,” read part of the statement.
A collaborative effort from the county Rescue Team, KWS, and Private Volunteers to rescue the passengers saw a total of 24 tourists saved.
“Unfortunately three lost their lives; two bodies were retrieved yesterday with one more remaining,” read the statement.
“The rest were taken to Hospital for checkups and treatment for injuries incurred. All were released, with only one (1) in hospital still receiving treatment.”
The Kilifi county government has now ordered the department of Public Service and Disaster Management to carry out an inspection on all boats operating along the Kilifi coastline.
All boats operating along the coastline have also been mandated to be equipped with safety jackets as well as no boat shall leave the shores without all its occupants wearing a safety jacket and carrying within its capacity.
Patrons at the beach will be increased to ensure there is safety compliance, and ensure timely response to emergencies and incidents.
Members of the public were urged to be vigilant and report non-compliant operators to ensure the safety of passengers.
