The Kenya Ferry Services has been on the receiving end of citizens for failing to rescue a sinking car that plunged into the Indian Ocean on Sunday.
Citizens who witnessed the event of the vehicle slowly sink into the ocean accused the Ocean service operator of incompetence and failure to respond to such an emergency efficiently.
Mombasa county residents have accused the government of lack of preparedness for such tragedies, as it has not employed divers to conduct the rescue operations.
Private divers at the scene vowed not to conduct the rescue operation without any security assurance from the government. The divers claimed that they had performed many rescue operations at the Indian ocean but did not get recognition and payment from the ferry operator.
A section of Kenyans expressed their displease with the service operator through social media platforms claiming that they not only failed swift action but also did not show remorse for the tragedy.
Very unfortunate that we can't do rescue services in the night yet @kdfinfo Navy are next door and we showcase how the army is very prepared to defend our territories. Shame er services in this part of the world.
— Obare Bw'obare Evans🇰🇪 (@evansokenya) September 29, 2019
How can I vehicle sink with no rescue yet the country boasts of Kenya coast guard's?#LikoniFerry pic.twitter.com/naeZugWKP8
— francis mtalaki (@fmtalaki) September 30, 2019
There has been no detailed communication from the Kenya Ferry Services even after receiving numerous complaints from members of the public other than this post.
Good morning,
We are serving you with four ferries at the Likoni channel and one at the Mtongwe channel.
We wish you a blessed and fruitful day. #kilindinihabour #likoniferry #mtongweferry @FerryKenya @kenyaferry @TransportKE @MaritimeKE @kmakenya @Kenya_Ports pic.twitter.com/BAUN0FB407— Kenya Ferry Services (@FerryKenya) September 30, 2019
The salon vehicle was headed to Mombasa Island from Mtongwe when it slid back from the vessel sinking into the ocean.
Likoni Sub County Police Commander, Benjamin Rotich, said it is believed that the vehicle had four occupants, a female driver, a child and two more.
According to Rajab, Kenya Red Cross Coordinator for Mombasa County, efforts to save the passengers and driver were futile as maritime surveyors could not work in darkness.
A similar incident was witnessed in 2016 when a staff at the Kenya Ports Authority plunged into the ocean after his vehicle developed a mechanical problem.