Seven dead in boat tragedy in Lamu

By Cyrus Ombati

At least seven people drowned on Sunday evening and several are reported missing after a boat capsized in Yiyoni area, Lamu Island.

The boat is said to have collided with another one that belongs to the Kengen.

Police said they rescued 15 passengers who were in the boat and have since been taken to a

Rescuers carry the body of a victim who drowned in the boat tragedy in Lamu. Photo: Standard

hospital in Lamu.

The boat, which capsized was ferrying passengers from Lamu island to another island when the tragedy occurred.

The Kengen boat sailed to the main island because it had fuel, police said.

Coast PPO Agrey Adoli said the capsized boat was overloaded at the time of the incident.

"We are told there were 82 passengers aboard the ill-fated boat, 25 people have been rescued while 23 people swam to safety. The search for others is ongoing," said Adoli.

Adoli said Kenya Navy personnel are on the ground trying to search for any survivors.

Red Cross says there were 82 passengers on board the ill-fated boat, 23 swam to safety while 25 were rescued.

Kenya Red Cross and Kenya Navy teams are conducting search and rescue operations.