Three people are missing and 19 others were rescued after a boat capsized on Friday evening during the weekend Ocean Festival in Mombasa.
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir acknowledged the mishap, stating that the vessel overturned during one of the races. He appealed to the public to keep their composure as the rescue operations were still going on.
“We have sent out a multi-agency rescue team to cover the Indian Ocean waters in search of the three missing persons. We ask the public to remain patient as the search continues,” said Governor Nassir.
After the accident, nineteen participants were rescued and treated for minor injuries. Nevertheless, the explanation of the missing three persons is still waiting as diver search continues.
On the other hand, a number of human rights groups have demanded the arrest of the event organizers, accusing them of negligence and failure to implement the correct safety measures. They are said to be in hiding.
The Ocean Festival has been cancelled by the authorities as the inquiry into the incident continues.