Mombasa, Kenya, October 11, 2025 — Three people are missing after a dragon boat carrying 22 participants capsized on Friday evening during the ongoing East African Ocean Festival at Tudor Creek, Mombasa.
According to the festival’s organising committee, the boat — identified as the MV Dragon and crewed by 22 members of the Kijijweni Beach Management Unit (BMU) team — overturned near the finish line in the final stretch of the race.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm a dragon boat participating in today’s race at Tudor Creek capsized near the finish line. Nineteen team members were rescued, while three remain unaccounted for,” said Hamisi Mwaguya, Chairperson of the East African Ocean Festival Organising Committee.
Preliminary reports indicate that none of the survivors had life jackets or any form of life-saving gear at the time of the accident — a lapse that has raised fresh questions about safety preparedness during water sports events.
Mwaguya said a coordinated rescue operation involving the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and other emergency agencies is ongoing. All festival activities have been suspended to allow full focus on the search and recovery mission.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir, who visited the scene accompanied by county and security officials, commended the swift response of emergency teams and volunteers.
“Rescue and recovery operations, led by our Mombasa County Fire & Rescue Services, are ongoing. So far, 19 persons have been rescued, while three remain unaccounted for,” Governor Nassir said. “We commend the bravery and swift response of all teams involved — including the Kenya Navy, Coast Guard, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Red Cross Society, ACE Ambulance Services, Ocean Festival attendants, and volunteer divers,”
The Kenya Red Cross Society confirmed that a multi-agency operation was underway to locate the missing persons. “A boat carrying 22 passengers capsized during the East Africa Ocean Festival at Tudor Water Sports. So far, 19 people have been rescued, while three remain missing,” the organisation said, noting that its teams were offering first aid and logistical support at the scene.
Meanwhile, Mental Health Innovations and Research (MEHIR) has deployed counsellors to provide psychosocial support to affected families.
“We are on the ground at the East African Ocean Festival boat tragedy, offering psychological and emotional support to families affected. As rescue efforts continue, we stand in solidarity with the victims and call for coordinated response to get the missing persons,” said MEHIR Lead Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Soud Ali Tengah.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and give space to professionals conducting the delicate search and recovery efforts.
The East African Ocean Festival, now in its second year, brings together participants from across the region to celebrate marine sports, ocean safety, and the blue economy.
