Tanzanian survivors rescued after boat capsizes, drifts for three days at sea in Kilifi

Five Tanzanian nationals are receiving treatment in Kilifi County after a dramatic rescue by Kenyan fishermen off the Indian Ocean at the Coast, following a boat accident that left them stranded at sea for three days without food or water.

Police said the incident was reported on March 21, 2026, by Rajab Abdala, a resident of Pemba Island and captain of the ill-fated vessel Subira.

The group had departed from Mkoani in Pemba on March 17, heading to Mkokotoni in Unguja while transporting a consignment of bananas.

However, their journey took a tragic turn near Matumbini Mnarani in Tanzania when the vessel capsized due to strong winds and high tides.

The five men said they managed to cling to the wreckage of the boat, where they remained stranded in harsh ocean conditions for three days.

Their ordeal ended on the morning of March 21 at around 9:00 a.m., when Kenyan fishermen heading out for deep-sea fishing spotted and rescued them. The survivors were brought ashore at Copacabana Beach in Mtwapa, where members of the public and officials from the Beach Management Unit quickly intervened.

The group was rushed to Kola Joy Medical Centre in Maweni, Mtwapa, where they are currently receiving treatment. Two of the victims are reported to be in critical condition, while the others are in stable condition.

The victims narrated how they clung to the capsized boat with hopes of being rescued. They said they knew the site was deep in the Indian Ocean and any attempt to swim would turn catastrophic.

Their prayers were answered three days as other fishermen in the ocean showed up and rescued them.

Police officers visited the hospital and initiated necessary procedures.

Authorities have since handed over the survivors to the Tanzanian Consulate in Mombasa as further assistance and repatriation plans are arranged.

Police say investigations and follow-up actions are ongoing, with more updates expected.

Such incidents are common in the ocean amid calls on the users to be cautious to avoid them.