All bodies recovered in Mombasa boating tragedy as county disowns festival

According to authorities, the final two bodies were located at dawn and taken to the Mombasa County Mortuary, where they await post-mortem examinations. Their recovery brings closure to grieving families who had spent three agonizing days waiting for news of their loved ones.

Witnesses say a group of local divers, motivated by the earlier recovery of one of the victims, resumed the search overnight despite rough waters and poor visibility. “They battled the waves with sheer determination,” said one rescuer.

Shortly after midnight, their efforts paid off. One body was found trapped in mangrove roots near the accident site, while the other was discovered near Nyali Bridge, swept away by ocean currents.

The three young men were among nearly two dozen participants in a canoe competition that was part of the East African Ocean Festival, an event that promised substantial cash prizes to the winners. Survivors say the lure of financial reward was strong for many of the youth from Jomvu, where unemployment and poverty run deep.

“The first-place winner was to get KSh 300,000, second KSh 200,000, and third KSh 100,000,” said one survivor. “Transport had been arranged for us. We didn’t have to pay fare.”

“He didn’t even know how to swim,” said one parent. “He went there for the money, and now I have a grave instead of a son.”

“You’re supposed to wear life jackets before getting into the water. That’s the first rule,” he said. “We were told, if you find a jacket, good — if not, it’s okay.”

“No permits were ever issued by the County Government of Mombasa,” Governor Nassir said. “Last year, we were sponsors of the festival, but this year we were not involved in any way.”