Two fishermen missing after boat capsizes in Indian Ocean in Kilifi, a woman rescued
Two fishermen are still missing for the third day in a row now after their boat capsized in the Indian Ocean in Kilifi county despite their boat having been retrieved in the deep sea.
The two were in the company of a woman who survived in the waters after the incident on Saturday afternoon.
The group went fishing on May 23, 2025 but failed to return.
This prompted other fishermen to venture into the waters to search for them the following day, police and beach managers said.
The rescue team found the woman struggling to swim out of the water while her two colleagues were nowhere to be found.
She was rescued and taken to a hospital in the area on Saturday afternoon, almost a day later.
Police said the boat the group was using was found in the deep sea and retrieved to the old ferry yard.
A search and rescue mission is ongoing, officials said amid fears strong winds may have caused the incident.
The meteorological department had warned of strong winds in the region and advised against venturing into the waters.
The mishap came after the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of large waves exceeding two meters on the Kenyan coast from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, 2025.
In a weather advisory, the Met Department said the large waves are expected to reduce to below 2.0 meters from Monday, May 26, 2025.
The weatherman also warned of strong southerly winds of more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s) in the Coast, South-eastern lowlands, and Northwestern Kenya regions.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir last Friday ordered the closure of all beaches in the coastal county following the warning by the Meteorological Department.
“The Meteorological Department has projected wind speeds of up to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) and wave heights of up to 2.5 meters between May 23 and May 25, 2025, posing serious risks to public safety, marine activities, and coastal infrastructure.”
“Following comprehensive consultations, the following precautionary measures have been adopted. All marine and ocean-related commercial or recreational activities, including fishing and water sports, are suspended until further notice,” Nassir ordered.
