This follows three separate incidents that occurred on Tuesday evening in which, three more vessels being used by Miraa smugglers capsized while wading through treacherous sea channel.
It continues to be a case of high risk high return for the Miraa smugglers who ferry Miraa from Lamu to Kiunga then pass it through the Somali border who would rather risk death through the rough channel exchange for the promise of fast money.
According to the KMA Lamu County Manager, Alex Munga all six persons were however rescued by Kenya Wildlife Service and Kenya Coast Guard Services rescue personnel.
“There is need for all concerned to deliberate on the placement of traffic control across that channel as well as enforcement patrols and fast rescue response mechanism for that particular area that is responsible for nine capsized boats in a span of one month,” Munga said.
He noted that more resources are needed to enforce search and rescue efforts across the Lamu channel, which is set to become busier once the Lamu port becomes busier.
The Lamu County Commissioner, Irungu Macharia, further issued a stern warning to sea farers to adhere to weather condition warnings.
“Boat operators, need to be wary about the sea during this June-July period in which the Indian Ocean is rough, and a lot of boats are likely to capsize,” he noted.
By Amenya Ochieng
