A loaded truck with one occupant on Wednesday morning lost control and plunged into the Indian Ocean at Likoni Channel in Mombasa.
According to a statement from Kenya Ferry Services (KFS), the driver of the lorry registration number T648 lost control after hitting the ferry’s prow while boarding MV Kilindini from mainland side and plunged into the sea.
The driver of the lorry escaped unhurt in the accident that took place at 4.15am and salvage operation was immediately mounted by KFS and Kenya Coast Guards.
On Sunday morning, a similar accident took place when a bus belonging to Pollmans tours slid off the ramp following heavy rains.
The driver Salim Omar who was attempting to board the new ferry MV Safari was rescued together with his helper.
The bus did not have any passengers on board as it had dropped them at the tourist resort town of Diani in Kwale County.
On Monday, MV Safari encountered technical problems and was unable to continue with operation that saw huge pedestrian traffic pushed to the new floating bridge at Liwatoni.
The Sh1.7 billion pedestrian bridge which was launched early this month is expected to complement the existing ferry services to streamline safe passageways for pedestrians and reduce overcrowding that characterize the busy Likoni channel.
It is estimated that more than 300, 000 people and 6, 000 vehicles cross the busy channel daily using MV Jambo, MV Kwale, MV Likoni, MV Kilindini, MV Nyayo and the newly acquired MV Safari.
By Mohamed Hassan
