Passengers stranded at Likoni ferry, in Mombasa, May 9, 2017. [Photo/@NationBreaking/Twitter]
Operations at the Likoni ferry channel in Mombasa were this (Tuesday) morning paralysed, after MV Nyayo developed mechanical problems at around 7am.
MV Nyayo, the biggest and an old ferry at the channel, was pushed by heavy tides off the Likoni channel towards the deep sea, with passengers on board.
This caused panic, as efforts by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) officials, to push the machine to the island ramps, bore no fruit.
Cries and shouts would be heard, as passengers called for help, with fears of it sinking.
However, after a long tactical struggle, the ferry was later towed to the island, with no reported incidents.
Motorists, thousands of commuters including school children who were heading to various destinations were left stranded at the busy Likoni channel, since only three ferries, were in operation.
They include, MV Likoni, MV Harambee, and MV Kwale.
KFS took to social media, to warn of the high sea tides, due to the heavy downpour being experienced in the coastal region: ''To all our customers, beware the sea is very rough, heavy currents experienced due to heavy rains. Landings are rough and tricky. Be vigilant.''
''The movement of our ferries is about slow due to current weather conditions and heavy sea currents experienced. Kindly note,'' added KFS.
KFS officer, Aaron Mutiso, indicated the delay services being experienced were also as a result of the slow movement of the ferry, due to the packing and loading of vehicles.
He told the press that this would continue until the weather changes, for the sea to calm.
Mutiso also indicated all ferries were working to ensure no delays at the channel.
''Dear ferry users, we are requesting for your cooperation and support as the situation calm down,'' KFS twitted.