This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
On September 30, 2019, a devastating tragedy unfolded at the Likoni Ferry channel in Mombasa Island, leaving a family in shock and grief.
Mariam Kigenda, 35, and her four-year-old daughter were identified as the victims who drowned in their car after it slid from the rear of the MV Harambee ferry just before it docked on the Island side.
The car, a Toyota with registration number KCB 289C, was on board the ferry, which was traveling to the Island side.
According to Likoni OCPD Benjamin Rotich, the vehicle lost its brakes and reversed just before the ferry docked, trapping the mother and daughter inside.
Despite efforts by ferry officials to throw out rescue savers near the car, the two were unable to access them, and they sank to their death.
The accident left many in shock, with those on the ferry watching helplessly as the woman and her daughter slipped beneath the water.
The school authorities at MM Shah confirmed the loss of one of their students, sending a text to parents to inform them of the tragic news.
Mariam's husband and other family members had camped at the ferry early in the morning to monitor the rescue operations, but by the time of going to press, police were still waiting for Kenya Navy rescue services and other private divers.
