Image of a capsized boat. (Baraka FM)
An ODM politician has been rescued and family members feared dead after their boat capsized shortly after leaving Kizingitini in Lamu county on Sunday morning.
Lamu East MP candidate Shekue Kahale was rescued alive on Monday morning and first taken to Kizingitini hospital for treatment and post-trauma counseling.
The boat carrying 11 family members, including the Lamu Politician and the captain of the vessel disappeared in the expansive Indian Ocean just moments after leaving the off shores of Kizingitini Village on Sunday, August 13.
As reported by the Star, Kahale was fatigued when he was found on an uninhabited island named Majunguni close to Shanga island. He was later moved to King Fahad county hospital in Lamu town.
"He was just walking around...pacing. He was still wearing his life jacket but he couldn’t speak. He didn’t even seem to know what had happened. He is in shock. He has been rushed to hospital," said rescue team member Awadh Ali.
Lamu police were informed of the disappearance on Sunday evening and marine patrol boats were immediately dispatched on a rescue and search mission.
As at the time of going to the press, rescuers drawn from various institutions including local divers were still looking for 10 other victims, all family members of Kahale who are still missing.
Confirming the incident, Lamu’s Operation Linda Boni Director, Joseph Kanyiri said the sea vessel, a small 40HP Yamaha Enduro-powered boat is feared to have capsized between 10 am and 12 pm Sunday around Manda Bruno while on its way from Kizingitini to Lamu Island.
“We need to be patient as the search and rescue team does its work. I think it’s too early to comment on whereabouts of the occupants of the ill-fated boat though it’s highly suspected [it] may have capsized due to turbulent sea,” Kanyiri told a local publication.
Kanyiri also said search efforts were being hindered by high tides at the ocean.