The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops stationed in Somalia responded to a maritime emergency after a Dubai-bound dhow caught fire off the coast of Kismayo on Wednesday, October 29.
In a statement on Thursday, October 30, the KDF said the response was led by its Special Boat Unit (SBU), which operates under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
According to the military, the unit was deployed at Kismayo Seaport when the distress call was received.
"Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops from the Special Boat Unit (SBU), serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and deployed at Kismayo Seaport, on 29 October 2025, responded to a distress call after a dhow caught fire off the coast of Kismayo," the statement read.
The KDF revealed that the affected vessel, MSV FAZLERABBI, had departed from the Port of Kismayo and was heading to Dubai when it was engulfed in flames approximately nine kilometers northeast of the port.
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The military said the SBU worked closely with local boats to conduct the rescue and ensure the safety of all aboard.
"The vessel, MSV FAZLERABBI, had departed from the Port of Kismayo en route to Dubai when it caught fire approximately nine kilometers northeast of the port. In a coordinated rescue effort with local boats, the SBU personnel successfully rescued all 16 crew members on board," the statement added.
The survivors were handed over to the Port Authority for further attention and assistance.
The KDF commended the SBU team for their professionalism and quick response, which prevented loss of life.
"The prompt and effective response by the KDF Special Boat Unit demonstrated professionalism and readiness to handle maritime emergencies, highlighting their continued commitment to safeguarding lives and supporting stability operations along the Somali coastline," the statement concluded.
This comes barely two months after KDF divers retrieved the body of a middle-aged man who drowned at Chepkorio Dam in Ngeria, Uasin Gishu County.
In a statement on Sunday, September 14, KDF said the recovery was carried out by a joint team from the Kenya Navy Clearance Diving Unit (KN CDU) and the 9th Battalion, Kenya Rifles (9 KR) following days of unsuccessful search efforts.
"The recovery, conducted on 13 September 2025, marked the culmination of a six-day search and rescue operation. Earlier attempts by other agencies and local divers had been unsuccessful due to the dam’s 80-foot depth and difficult underwater conditions," the statement read.
According to KDF, it deployed specialized equipment to overcome the unique challenges of the search.
"To overcome these challenges, KDF deployed a specialized team equipped with advanced JJ Closed Circuit Rebreather (CCR) systems, which provided longer dive durations and extended search range beyond the limits of conventional SCUBA equipment.
"This capability enabled the divers to successfully locate and recover the body in a much shorter time," the statement added.
KDF described the operation as part of its wider humanitarian mandate and further sent a message of condolence to the deceased's family.
"The operation highlighted the professionalism, technical expertise, and commitment of KDF personnel in humanitarian response, reflecting the wider mission of the Kenya Defence Forces in supporting national resilience and emergency operations.
"KDF extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. May they find comfort and strength during this difficult time," the statement concluded.
