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Body retrieved in Likoni crossing tragedy

Saturday December 07 2019
By Wachira Mwangi
By Mohamed Ahmed

Kenya Navy divers retrieved the body of a man from the ocean at the Likoni Channel in the coastal town Mombasa after a vehicle plunged into the water early Saturday.

Officials said only the driver was in the Saloon car when it sank into the ocean on Saturday at 4.20am.

Police and family members have identified the victim.

Kenya Ferry Service (KFS) said in a statement that the driver of the vehicle drove at high speed after purchasing a ticket and plunged into the water.

First responders acted quickly and before 9am Saturday the body of a man was retrieved from the water.

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Kenya Navy divers at the scene of the tragedy. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

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Following the recovery of the body, ferry services were temporarily stopped triggering protests from commuters.

Dozens of commuters protested that they were running late for work.

When KFS resumed operation, the huge crowd rushed into the ferry nearly causing a stampede.

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Kenya Navy divers in action at the Likoni crossing early Saturday. PHOTO | WACHIRA MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho shared a message of sympathy following Likoni tragedy.

Mr Joho said early Saturday that he has dispatched a team of divers to help in the rescue and search mission.

"In the meantime, I urge ferry users and management to be cautious. We can not afford to have any more casualties in similar situations," said Mr Joho in a statement.

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