All Missing Bodies Recovered After Tudor Boat Capsizing Tragedy
Search teams have recovered all three bodies missing since Friday’s boat capsizing during the East Africa Ocean Festival in Tudor, Mombasa. The final two victims were found in the early hours of Monday, October 13, 2025, near Nyali Bridge—about one kilometer from the incident site.
Victims Identified, Operation Concluded
Investigators identified Stephen Karembo and Thomas Wanyonyi as the recovered individuals; both belong to the Kijiweni Youth Uplift Team. Divers retrieved the first body, Caleb Atieno, on Saturday night. With all three accounted for, the three-day search and rescue mission has officially ended.
The recovery was led by the Old Town Beach Management Unit (BMU), supported by a multi-agency task force comprising 17 vessels from the Kenya Coast Guard, Kenya Navy, National Police Service, Kenya Forest Service, and BMUs.
Festival Tragedy Sparks National Response
The accident occurred on Friday when a boat carrying 22 people overturned during a race at Tudor Water Sports.
The Kenya Red Cross immediately rescued 19 survivors. Three victims remained unaccounted for, which triggered a large-scale operation.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited the site on Sunday. He announced the first body’s recovery. He also pledged full government support. “The National Government and Mombasa County will support the families of the deceased,” he said, adding that psychological and social aid would be provided to survivors.
Kindiki also commended local volunteers and first responders, promising resources for their continued involvement in emergency response efforts.
Safety Reforms Underway
In the wake of the tragedy, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has mandated that all future sea events require clearance from the County Security Committee. BMUs will also recruit additional lifeguards to bolster coastal safety measures.
