Ferry turns turtle after collision

LAMU: More than 20 people were feared dead after a Kenyan ferry carrying more than 80 passengers capsized on Sunday night following a collision with a cargo boat off the island of Lamu, a popular tourist destination.

Survivors confirmed earlier suggestions that the small ferry was overloaded when the two vessels collided in the dark at about 9pm.

The Kenya Red Cross said that of the 82 passengers, seven were confirmed dead as of Sunday night, 25 had been rescued and 23 managed to swim to shore. Fifteen people pulled from the water were admitted to hospital.

Abdalla Miraj, regional head of the Kenya Red Cross, said at least 16 people were still believed missing.

“We have stopped diving now because we have been told that after 24 hours, the bodies will float to the surface, so later we will all go out again and try to collect the rest,” he said.

Speedboats scoured the channel separating Lamu Island from the mainland. A police boat carried a victim’s body under a white sheet.

The ferry had just left Lamu at the time of the collision.

The other vessel was carrying oil drums.

A Lamu resident said the small ferries could typically take up to about 50 passengers, but survivors said the boat was overloaded with people and baggage.

Kenyans flock to the Indian Ocean coast over Christmas and New Year for holidays.

“Soon after leaving, it hit another vessel and water started flowing in. I was on it with my three children and wife, and luckily we were all saved,” said survivor Ali Bakari.

“The boat itself was overloaded. Before it left, there was a police officer who tried to stop it leaving, but the operator talked him out of it.” – Sapa-ap