This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On October 9, 2019, a car plunged into the ocean off the coast of Likoni, Kenya, claiming the lives of Mariam and her daughter. The incident sparked a massive search and rescue operation, with the Government promising to retrieve the bodies from the seabed.
However, 36 hours after the location of the vehicle was confirmed, the South African divers who had been privately contracted to help in the mission left the country. The team reportedly left on Wednesday evening, citing a statement released by the Government that made the small win a Kenya Navy affair without crediting their input.
The South African divers had completed their task as promised, but felt that their contribution was being downplayed. They informed the affected family of their departure, saying they were paving the way for the Kenya Navy to carry the day as desired.
This is not the first time that private divers have complained of foul play and serial intimidation from the Government. Earlier in the mission, a local diver was banned from participating in the operation by KFS officials who accused him of revealing integral information that risked the exercise.
Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna had assured the family and residents that the car and bodies of Mariam and her daughter would be retrieved from the seabed as soon as possible. However, so far, the assurance is yet to pass, and Oguna has assured residents that the mission will be closed today.
