This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
Expert Opinion on Likoni Ferry Body Recovery Mission ¶
Published on October 8, 2019, a former Kenya Navy serviceman, James Kahia, shared his expert opinion on the recovery mission of a woman and her daughter who plunged into the Indian Ocean after their car slid from the MV Harambee ferry.
James Kahia, a professional diver currently residing in Israel, expressed his concerns about the feasibility of the recovery mission. He pointed out several factors that make the mission next to impossible, including the immense pressure at 198 feet below sea level, the risk of nitrogen narcosis, and the limited time divers have to work at the bottom.
According to Kahia, the pressure at 198 feet below sea level is equivalent to seven atmospheres, which can cause nitrogen narcosis, a euphoric state that can impair a diver's judgment. He also highlighted the risk of barotrauma, which can cause injury to the lungs or other organs, and the risk of decompression sickness if divers do not follow proper ascent procedures.
Additionally, Kahia noted that the water temperature at depths below 80 feet is near freezing, which can significantly reduce a diver's performance. He also pointed out that the Likoni Channel, where the incident occurred, experiences strong underwater currents that can carry away the vehicle to a different location, posing a significant risk to divers.
Furthermore, Kahia emphasized the importance of safety in diving, stating that the mission is very difficult even with the deployment of remote-controlled underwater vehicles. He expressed his concerns about the risk of losing more lives trying to ignore the fundamental rule of diving: safety first.
James Kahia's expert opinion provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by the recovery mission. His concerns about the immense pressure, limited time, and risk of decompression sickness highlight the complexity of the operation.
