Another crisis rocks Mombasa’s Likoni ferry channel

Hundreds of commuters from Likoni and South Coast arrive at the Mombasa Island ramp yesterday aboard MV Likoni. Commuters and motorists were stranded for the better part of the day after MV Harambee stalled. [PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD]

MOMBASA: Crisis persisted at the Likoni ferry crossing channel yesterday after two ferries developed problems, causing massive jam and panic among commuters.

Kenya Ferry Service (KFS) said the MV Harambee stalled on the ramp as a result of low tides while MV Nyayo was suddenly withdrawn when it developed mechanical problems.

Only MV Likoni and MV Kwale, the newest vessels that were delivered in 2010, were in operation; leading to a gridlock at the channel as huge crowds and long vehicle queues formed. KFS Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager Elizabeth Wachira confirmed the crisis, saying MV Harambee was grounded on the ramp at 8.30am.
She also said MV Nyayo had to be suddenly pulled out of operation because it developed engine problems and was undergoing repairs by KFS engineers.

MV Harambee was awaiting high tides yesterday afternoon for it to resume operations.

“MV Harambee is awaiting high tides to sail while MV Nyayo is being repaired,” said Ms Wachira.

She explained that two engines for the fifth ferry, MV Kilindini, which is currently undergoing elaborate structural maintenance at a Mombasa dockyard, have finally arrived and would be fitted on the vessel.

KFS normally deploys four vessels during rush hour in the morning and evening and a shortage of the vessels leads to stampedes and traffic jams.

Passengers complained that MV Likoni, which was in operation yesterday, caused delays since it uses only one prow (door) to take passengers in and out and cannot be used by vehicles.

A passenger, Mesaid Ali, said they were being delayed as the vessel has to turn mid-stream in order for them to disembark from the same prow they used to board the vessel.

Last month, eight people including school children were injured in a stampede at the Likoni channel following a rush to board ferries after MV Kwale got struck on the ramp during the morning rush hour, while MV Harambee had been withdrawn for repairs after developing mechanical problems.

Mombasa County Commissioner then demanded the immediate sacking of the KFS Managing Director Musa Hassan, claiming that the management was inefficient.

However, Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik defended Mr Musa, saying KFS had received little funding from the National Treasury for operations.

The five vessels normally ferry about 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily as they are the only direct land link between Mombasa Island and the south.