One body has been recovered following the Tudor Creek boat tragedy.
Confirming the recovery of the body, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said 19 were rescued on Friday, adding that the search effort is continuing for two missing persons.
Kindiki spoke on Sunday when he passed by Tudor Creek, Old Town, Mombasa to condole with Bangladesh area residents following the boat tragedy that occurred on Friday.
The incident happened at around 5.30 pm.
"The National government and the county government of Mombasa will support the families of those who lost their loved ones in the tragedy," the DP said.
"The government will also support the brave locals who were the first responders and who helped save lives. Psychological-social support will also be provided to the survivors who were left visibly shaken by the incident," he said.
Kindiki thanked all agencies involved in the search and rescue, including non-governmental groups and volunteers.
He also thanked Mombasa Governor Abdul Swamad Sharrif Nassir, MPs Mohammed Machele (Mvita) and Badi Twalib (Jomvu) for standing with the residents and families at this difficult moment.
The tragic boat racing accident happened during the East African Oceanic Festival held at Tudor.
The three victims were among 22 participants of the racing event who were involved in the incident.
Out of the 22, 19 were rescued, while a joint operation involving both county and national government agencies continued in search of the missing people.
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.
Ibrahim Basafar, the Mombasa county chief fire officer and disaster coordinator, said the festival started on Thursday with a gala dinner at the Fort Jesus.
The water sports started on Friday and were to continue until Sunday.
Kimani said that with the festive season approaching, adequate safety measures have been put in place to safeguard residents and visitors.
