This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
On October 6, 2019, Kenya Ferry Services Chairman Dan Mwazo addressed the media at the Mbaraki Wharf in Mombasa County, flanked by his Managing Director Bakari Gowa and the Kenya Navy Ferry Tragedy Recovery Operation Commander Col. Lawrence Gituma.
Chairman Mwazo declared the Likoni ferry channel a temporary military zone to allow for search operations. The area has been cordoned off and declared a no-go-zone for the public, including journalists.
According to Mwazo, the divers hired by the family of the victims, Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu, from Subsea company are on site. The government has also hired three more divers from South Africa to assist in the operations.
“The divers who have been hired by the family from Subsea company are here. The government has also hired three more from South Africa. We also have machines for the operations…They have therefore requested people to vacate this place so that it eases their operation,” said Mwazo.
The joint operation was initially delayed due to an interruption from the Indian Airforce, who were scheduled to use the channel for an exercise. However, the operation is expected to commence soon.
