The Kenya Maritime Authority has intensified search for three fishermen who went missing in the Indian Ocean on Monday morning.
Madi Issa, Bunu
Ali and Omar Issa from Shanga
island in
Lamu disappeared at Ngoi area,
Mlango wa Kipungani.
News of their fate broke after their boat, christened Dhabiti, failed to report back to
Tenewi fishing depot in the evening as was the norm.
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Lamu's KMA rescue coordinator Jacob Odanga said a search and rescue team, as well as marine officers, were dispatched to search for the
fishermen.
“We received reports from family members after their
efforts to contact them proved futile since their phones are off," Odanga said.
"We sent our team this morning, together with four marine police officers and the family members, to Ngoi area where the three are said to have gone fishing."
On August 13 last year, Lamu ODM politician Shekue Kahale lost 12 of his family members who included his wife and their four children.
They had been reported missing a day before when they did not reach Lamu island from Kizingitini.
Their boat had capsized at Manda Bruno area which is known for gigantic waves. The politician survived after hours of swimming.
On June 20 last year, 10 people perished when a dhow that had 25 passengers and their luggage capsized at the Mkanda Channel in the Indian Ocean.
The tragedy occurred due to rough tides while they travelled from Lamu to Ndau village in Lamu East.
Another four people were found alive by a search team mounted by Red Cross and KMA after being reported missing on
October 9 last year.
They had spent a night in the ocean after their boat was overpowered by rough tides normally experienced at the Manda Bruno area. It was swept away to Dodori area where they were later found.