Three South African tourists rescued after boat capsizes off Watamu Beach
Three South African tourists and a local skipper were rescued after a boat capsized in the waters off Ocean Sports Resort Beach in Watamu, Kilifi County, on Thursday evening.
The incident occurred on September 17, 2026, as the boat was returning to the resort after a fishing excursion.
Police and witnesses said the incident was reported by the security manager at Ocean Sports Resort, at around 7:15 p.m.
The occupants included South African tourists who had checked into the resort on September 16 and were scheduled to check out on September 20.
The fourth occupant was a 29-year-old local skipper.
Police said the boat was struck by strong ocean waves while on its return journey, causing it to capsize. The occupants shouted for help, prompting local community divers to respond using boats.
All four occupants were rescued and taken back to the hotel, where a clinician examined them and confirmed that they were in stable condition.
Efforts to retrieve the capsized boat and bring it ashore were reportedly hampered by strong waves.
Last week, two people died after their boat capsized in Nyali area, Mombasa.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, after the boat was reportedly struck by strong sea waves while returning from Fort Jesus.
The boat had two crew members and five local tourists on board.
The bodies of Ken Barasa, 38, and Cynthia Barasa, 33 were recovered Sunday at the shores of the ocean few meters from where the boat capsized, police said.
The two were a brother and his sister. Ken was an aspiring Member of County Assembly in Busia while his sister was a law graduate.
The vessel had departed for Fort Jesus at around 1:30 p.m. and capsized at approximately 2:45 p.m. while on its return journey.
A multi-agency team comprising officers from the Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Navy, Kenya Police Service, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and members of the public responded to the incident.
Officials stated that the captain and three tourists were rescued and taken to Coast General Hospital, where they were admitted in stable condition.
The search for the deceased continued into the night in vain. They were recovered hours later.
Police said one of the survivors managed to swim to the nearest beach and sought help at Kijani Beach, where first responders began the rescue effort.
The capsized boat was later towed to Jumeirah Beach where the bodies washed hours later. Their friends and relatives were left devastated.
Officials have advised those handling the boats to be cautious of the strong winds at the ocean which are causing the accidents.
