A fishing vessel was left stranded in dangerous waters 13 kilometres offshore from Pezali, Lamu County, on Tuesday, June 17.
In a statement, the Kenya Red Cross revealed the vessel encountered mechanical problems after its propeller got caught in a fishing net.
The agency revealed that rescue efforts have since been launched in collaboration with a multi-agency response team to rescue the crew amid concerns over their safety.
"A fishing vessel has become stranded approximately 13 kilometers offshore from Pezali, Lamu, after its propeller was entangled in a fishing net, causing mechanical failure," the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement.
"We are working with a multi-agency response team to coordinate the rescue of the crew and ensure their safety."
While the number of individuals in the vessel was not specified, the Kenya Red Cross believes the vessel may have been carrying several people, since it takes an entire crew to go on such fishing expeditions.
Notably, the Pezali region in the Western Indian Ocean is notorious for cases of capsizing boats, with this latest incident coming weeks after a string of maritime accidents on the Kenyan coast.
In May, one person went missing after a boat carrying four people capsized in the Chanu Channel in Lamu East. Three of the occupants of the boat were rescued near the Kiwayuu Island thanks to efforts from a multi-agency team.
That same month, three separate boat accidents were reported in Kilifi and Lamu counties, prompting the closure of public beaches by Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir.
The orders were informed by an advisory by the Kenya Meteorological Department released on Thursday, where they warned of strong southerly winds and large waves along the Kenyan Coast.
As far as winds are concerned, the Kenya Meteorological Department revealed winds of over 30 knots (15.4 m/s) would persist at least until June 17, with speeds set to decrease to 25 knots (12.9 m/s).
From June 18, wave heights are also expected to subside to below 2.4 meters, although experts still warn fishermen to exercise extra caution in areas prone to winds.
