Governor Orders Rigorous Inspection Exercise After Fatal Boat Accident

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered an immediate and rigorous inspection of vessels ferrying members of the public along the Kenyan coast following a fatal boat accident in Tudor Creek.

In a statement on Sunday, September 13, the governor said he visited Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital following the capsizing of the leisure boat MV Blue Pineapple.

According to his brief, five people were rescued after the vessel capsized, while the bodies of two adults who had initially been reported missing were later recovered near Nyali Beach.

"I visited Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital following the tragic capsizing of the leisure boat MV Blue Pineapple along Tudor Creek yesterday evening. 

"Five people were rescued, but sadly, the bodies of two adults who had been reported missing were later recovered near Nyali Beach. I extend my deepest condolences to their families and loved ones during this painful time," he wrote.

Nassir commended the teams involved in the rescue operation, noting that their swift response helped save lives following the accident.

"I commend the County Marine Rescue Unit, lifeguards recruited by the County Government from our local Beach Management Units, the Kenya Coast Guard Service and all responders whose swift and courageous intervention helped save lives," he added.

Nassir also urged members of the public and vessel operators to exercise heightened caution while undertaking activities at sea, citing the severity of the current El Niño phenomenon.

He called on operators to comply with maritime safety requirements, regularly inspect and service their vessels, monitor weather advisories and ensure passengers are equipped with life jackets throughout their journeys.

"The current El Niño phenomenon is more severe than those previously experienced, and the public must exercise exceptional caution when undertaking any activity at sea. 

"Vessel operators must strictly observe maritime safety requirements, routinely service and inspect their vessels, monitor weather advisories and ensure that every passenger wears a life jacket throughout the journey," he further said.

Nassir said he had engaged the Kenya Maritime Authority to begin immediate inspections aimed at determining the seaworthiness of vessels operating along the coastline.

He said the county government would work with relevant national agencies to enforce safety regulations and prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

"I have engaged the Kenya Maritime Authority to undertake immediate and rigorous inspections of the seaworthiness of all vessels ferrying members of the public along our coastline. 

"Working with the relevant national agencies, the County Government will enforce strict safety compliance to avert a recurrence of this tragedy," he concluded.

This comes days after Mombasa County announced temporary traffic management measures aimed at easing congestion across the city.

In a statement on Monday, September 7, Nassir said the measures were also informed by concerns over the anticipated El Niño rains, which could further complicate traffic movement and increase risks for motorists, businesses and residents.

Nassir stated that the recent congestion has been largely caused by the diversion of traffic from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road, where construction works are ongoing.

"Following the recent upsurge in traffic congestion across Mombasa, occasioned largely by the diversion of traffic from the Bombolulu section of the Mombasa-Malindi Road during the ongoing construction works, we have reviewed the prevailing traffic situation and the additional risks posed by the anticipated El Niño rains," he wrote.

Nassir consequently recommended temporarily halting cycling infrastructure works along Links Road to create additional road capacity and improve traffic flow while the diversion remains in place.

"We have consequently recommended the temporary suspension of the cycling infrastructure works along Links Road. This will allow the road to accommodate the increased traffic volumes and ease movement while the diversion remains in effect," he added.

Nassir said the county was coordinating with national road agencies and traffic enforcement authorities to address congestion, particularly at key intersections, and reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing works.

"We are working closely with the relevant national road agencies and traffic enforcement authorities to improve traffic flow, strengthen traffic control at critical intersections and minimise disruption to motorists, businesses and residents," he further said.

Nassir also urged motorists and other road users to remain patient and follow directions from traffic enforcement officers as the temporary measures are implemented.

"We appeal to all road users to exercise patience, observe traffic directions and cooperate with enforcement officers. These are temporary measures intended to safeguard public safety and maintain mobility during the construction and anticipated rainy period," he concluded.