Two local tourists missing after boat capsizes near Mombasa’s Nyali Coast

Two local tourists were reported missing after a boat carrying seven people capsized off the Nyali coast in Mombasa County.

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 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.

The report stated that the captain and three tourists were rescued and taken to Coast General Hospital, where they were admitted in stable condition.

Two other passengers, identified as Ken Barasa, 38, and Cynthia Barasa, 33, were reported missing.

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 as search and rescue operations continued.

Police said the incident was pending investigation.

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old Grade 8 pupil drowned in Lake Baringo while swimming alone in Akorian Sub-Location, Bartum Location, Marigat Sub-County.

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at around 1:40 p.m, police said.

The deceased was a pupil at Ngenyin Comprehensive School.

Police said the boy was swimming alone when he was overpowered by the lake’s currents and drowned.

Police proceeded proceeded to the scene, where Coast Guard personnel later retrieved the boy’s body.

The body was moved to Baringo County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where it is being preserved pending autopsy.

Police and the Coast Guard have urged members of the public, particularly children, to exercise caution around the lake and avoid swimming in unsafe conditions.