Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad visits the site of the tragic incident in Tudor Creek on October 11, 2025 [NASSIR/FB]Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has visited Tudor Creek in Mombasa, the site of a tragic boat capsizing incident in which two bodies have been recovered, while one person remains missing.
The accident involved MV Dragon, a racing boat that was participating in a dragon boat race as part of The East African Ocean Festival, a celebration aimed at promoting ocean activities and boosting coastal tourism.
The governor, who was accompanied by the County Security Team led by Chairman Mohamed Nur, Jomvu MP Bady Twalib, and Mikindani MCA Jack Madialo, received a detailed briefing on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
So far, 19 out of the 22 passengers who were on board have been rescued.
Two bodies were recovered while a third one was yet to be found by Saturday, police said.
Rescue operations were launched after the vessel capsized, with the Mombasa County Fire and Rescue Services leading the operation.
Governor Nassir commended the joint response teams for their bravery and speed in reacting to the emergency.
“We commend the bravery and swift response of all teams involved — the Mombasa County Fire & Rescue Services, the Kenya Navy, the Coast Guard, the Kenya Forest Service, the Red Cross, ACE Ambulance Services, Ocean Festival attendants, and volunteer divers," he said in a statement posted on his official platform.
"Their efforts are a testament to the spirit of solidarity and resilience of our people."
The governor urged members of the public to remain calm and to give space to professionals handling the delicate rescue and recovery mission.
He also extended his sympathies to the families affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected families during this difficult time,” Nassir said.
Mombasa County Police Commander Peter Kimani said all efforts were being coordinated to ensure the remaining body is retrieved.
Nine teams were participating in the racing event.
They included the Kenya Navy, Coast Guard, Maritime, Tourist Police, Kijiweni Youth Group, Mudhuba, BMU Mushomoroni, Bandari, TUMW, and Burhani Sports.
Witnesses said the teams reached the knockout stage and saw three of them with 22 participants on each of them compete.
They included Burhani, Kijiweni Youth, and Tourist Police.
It was while in competition and near the finishing line that the Kijiweni Youth group allegedly got excited and stood up as the boat was still in motion.
The boat lost its balance and capsized before the 19 were rescued, while three drowned.
It took hours to find the two bodies while the search for the third victim continued on Saturday.
