Four Coast Guard officers have survived death after the Coast Guard boat they were traveling in developed mechanical problems and capsized on Lake Victoria.

This incident happened on August 30, 2024, as the four Coast Guard officers were traveling back from Mageta Island in Kisumu in Bondo Sub County, where they had gone for official duties. However, as they were heading to Kisumu, their boat capsized.

The Director General of Kenya Maritime Authority, Engineer Martin Munga, confirmed the development during an interview with journalists on August 31, 2024.

Engineer Munga said that when they got to know that the boat had capsized and the four crewmen were missing, a search team was sent out to rescue them.

‘’At around 1:00 am, the search and rescue team contacted the officers and informed them that the four coast guards had been found alive and had no injuries,’’ Munga stated.

Munga added that what saved them were the life safety jackets they had on, which helped them to float on water.

He disclosed that they are currently in the hospital recovering and receiving first aid.

Munga called on the Kenya Maritime Authority and other stakeholders to prioritize the implementation of robust safety measures to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of those who travel using water transport in the region.

“This can only be done through regular inspections of vessels, adherence to capacity regulations, and public awareness campaigns on the importance of safety gear,” Munga said.

The four coast guard officers were part of the security team that was deployed to cover President William Ruto’s event at Mageta Island in Kisumu, where the President had gone to commission the Mageta Island Solar PV mini grid.