All three bodies missing after a boat capsized in the Indian Ocean on Friday have been retrieved after another two were recovered Monday morning.
The two were recovered in the early hours of the morning from Tudor Creek, following the recovery of the first body on Saturday night, bringing the three-day search and rescue operation to a close.
According to reports, the bodies were found at around 1:30am near Nyali Bridge, about one kilometre from the scene of the incident.
Their families have since identified the two as Stephen Karembo and Thomas Wanyonyi, who were both members of the Kijiweni Youth Uplift Team.
The rescue operation was carried out by a multi-agency team, including 17 boats from the Kenya Coast Guard Services, the Kenya Navy, the National Police Service, the Kenya Forest Service, and the Beach Management Unit.
The Old Town BMU members are the ones who reportedly found the three bodies.
During the East Africa Ocean Festival on Friday, the boat, which had 22 on board, capsized during a race in Tudor, Mombasa.
Shortly after, the Kenya Red Cross announced the rescue of 19 people, while three were reported missing, sparking a rescue operation that spanned days.
“A boat carrying 22 passengers capsized during the East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports. So far, 19 people have been rescued, while 3 remain missing,” the Red Cross stated.
On Sunday, October 12, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited the scene of the accident and announced the recovery of one of the bodies. He further promised government resources for all the volunteers involved in the operation, even after it ended.
"The National government and the county government of Mombasa will support the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy," the DP said.
"The government will also support the brave locals who were the first responders and who helped save lives. Psychological-social support will also be provided to the survivors who were left visibly shaken by the incident."
