This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On May 9, 2017, a near-collision between an oil tanker and a ferry full of passengers in Mombasa sparked fears in the maritime sector. The incident occurred in the Likoni Channel, where the ferry and tanker came within feet of colliding as passengers screamed.
Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) Managing Director Bakari Gowa confirmed that the police and maritime industry regulatory officials were investigating the incident. The probe has isolated the ferry's coxswain, operations manager, and engineer on duty that day as the key people of concern.
Initially, KFS denied the near-accident took place, but later issued a statement claiming it happened on August 10 before revising the date to August 3. The Transport ministry and the agency's board have expressed concern that the security apparatus and KFS management failed to report the incident to Nairobi and provided misleading information when it was reported in the press.
Maritime experts warned that the incident could have been viewed as a violation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ISPS Code deals with ships and port security.
