MOMBASA, Kenya (BN24) — A festive boat race along the Mombasa shoreline turned tragic Friday when a dragon boat carrying 22 participants capsized just meters from the finish line during the East African Ocean Festival, triggering panic among spectators and a frantic rescue operation.
The vessel, identified as the MV Dragon, overturned in full view of hundreds of beachgoers who had gathered to watch the final lap of the race. The incident, which was captured on multiple mobile phone videos, unfolded moments after an intense sprint toward the finish line. In the footage, rowers are seen paddling in perfect unison when the trailing boat suddenly tips, hurling all onboard into the Indian Ocean.
Initial confusion among spectators gave way to panic as screams pierced the air and emergency responders scrambled to the water.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, 19 rowers were rescued alive, with three still missing as of Friday night. A multi-agency response team, including the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Mombasa County Disaster Management Unit, and volunteer divers, launched a full-scale search and rescue mission that extended into the night.
“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with a multi-agency team actively responding to locate the missing persons,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a public statement issued hours after the incident.
The accident occurred during the final heat of the dragon boat race a highlight of the annual East African Ocean Festival, which brings together local and regional teams in a colorful celebration of coastal sports and culture.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as shocking and surreal. “One boat had just crossed the finish line, and the crowd was cheering when the second boat suddenly capsized,” said a bystander who recorded the scene.
The cause of the capsize has not yet been officially confirmed, though footage suggests instability as the boat attempted to make a final surge.
Mombasa County Chief Fire Officer Ibrahim Basafar described the rescue operation as “chaotic,” noting that the team acted immediately but faced challenges due to crowd size and rough waters. One participant was reported in critical condition and rushed to the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Concerns about safety protocols have since emerged, with Ishmael Onyango, one of the rescued rowers, revealing that many participants were not wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
“Most of us were from Bangladesh [a low-income settlement in Mombasa]. It happened so fast that some of us didn’t even react,” Onyango told reporters. “There was no proper briefing or gear.”
His testimony has sparked questions about the organizers’ adherence to safety regulations and whether appropriate emergency measures were in place.
What began as a celebration of teamwork, endurance, and East African coastal heritage quickly turned into a desperate struggle for survival. Spectators, including families and tourists, watched as what had been a moment of competitive triumph dissolved into a rescue emergency.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the organizers’ responsibilities or possible violations. The Mombasa County government is expected to review safety standards for future public maritime events.
As of Saturday morning, search efforts for the three missing participants were ongoing, with the Kenya Red Cross and Coast Guard teams urging locals along the coastline to report any findings or floating objects.
