41 People Rescued as Vessel Capsizes Near Mpunguti Island Shimoni
Some of the rescued people. (Photo By The COAST Photographer)
By The COAST Reporter
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Kenya Coast Guard Service personnel from Shimoni Station successfully rescued 41 people after a passenger vessel capsized approximately 1.5 nautical miles off Mpunguti ya Juu Island on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
The vessel, *MV Siri Ya Mafanikio*, had departed Shimoni for Pemba Island carrying 12 Kenyans and 29 Tanzanians, together with assorted cargo, when it encountered strong winds and rough seas.
Following a distress call received at 9:04 a.m., the Special Boat Unit deployed Patrol Boat 322 and conducted a search-and-rescue operation. All 41 people on board were safely rescued, with no casualties reported.
The vessel’s wreckage was later towed to the Shimoni Port Zone for further investigation. The successful operation demonstrates KCGS personnel’s commitment to safeguarding lives at sea and responding promptly to maritime emergencies.
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