The Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS) on Saturday rescued 41 people after a passenger vessel capsized off the coast of Shimoni in Kwale County.
In a statement, the KCGS said personnel from Shimoni Station mounted a successful search-and-rescue operation after the vessel, MV Siri Ya Mafanikio, overturned approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Mpunguti ya Juu Island on the morning of August 1, 2026.
The vessel had departed Shimoni for Pemba Island carrying 12 Kenyan and 29 Tanzanian passengers, together with assorted cargo, when it encountered strong winds and rough seas.
According to the Coast Guard, a distress call was received at 9:04 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of Patrol Boat 322 from the Special Boat Unit.
“All 41 people on board were safely rescued, and no casualties were reported,” the service said.
The rescued passengers were brought to safety as Coast Guard officers secured the area and accounted for all persons who had been on board the vessel.
The wreckage of MV Siri Ya Mafanikio was later towed to the Shimoni Port Zone, where investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Maritime officials said preliminary reports indicated that adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and rough seas, contributed to the capsizing.
The KCGS said the operation underscored its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and responding promptly to maritime emergencies along Kenya’s coastline.
Saturday’s incident comes as authorities continue to urge operators of passenger vessels and fishing boats to observe weather advisories and adhere to maritime safety regulations, particularly during periods of rough sea conditions.
Shimoni is a key maritime gateway for passenger and fishing traffic between Kenya’s South Coast and neighbouring Tanzania, including Pemba Island.
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