Lamu: 12 passengers, among them a pregnant woman saved from sinking boat

A boat carrying 12 passengers, among them a pregnant woman, on Tuesday took on water after developing mechanical problems off the shores of Lamu.

The boat – christened "Sailors" – was ferrying passengers connecting from Gamba to Lango la Simba in Lamu when tragedy struck.

Witnesses said that strong water currents swept away the boat, causing panic among the passengers.

Dr Paul Kimani Thairu, a boat owner in Lamu said that: "A rescue team managed to rescue all the 12 passengers before the boat could sink.”

One of the passengers, a pregnant woman, sustained injuries from the impact.

Kenya Maritime Authority's Assistant Director, Eng. Edward Longo, emphasised the importance of caution among boat operators, advising them to avoid areas with strong currents.

The incident comes just days after one person died in a similar boat accident. The boat was traveling from Lamu to Kiunga when it capsized after developing mechanical problems.

A number of residents have resorted to using boats to travel across the region after floods rendered the Lamu Garsen road impassable for the past three days, with part of it submerged.

This has disrupted transportation to and from Lamu, also affecting connectivity to other parts of the country. a major road impassable.

Boat operators and passengers have been advised to wear life jackets during boat journeys.