Passengers use Likoni ferries at own risk

Over the last couple of months, Mombasa’s ferries have been stalling midway, causing panic among passengers.

But every time they scream, the disturbing notice at the Likoni ferry crossing which reminds them they are using the vessels at their own risk, shouts back at them.

For many, the notice is an ominous reminder of the Mtongwe ferry disaster in 1994 that left over 250 people dead and dozens more injured.

Aboard the ferry, several dozen life jackets are in clear view of the passengers, but there have been complaints that valuable time would be lost in an emergency to free the vests that remain bound by rope.

During peak hours, a sea of humanity and vehicles jostle for space. So cramped are the ferries that its not unusual for passengers to faint sometimes.

Currently, more than 180,000 people and over 2,000 vehicles use the ferry services daily. Ms Amina Salim, a regular ferry user, says overcrowding should be checked.

Faulty vessels

Kenya Ferry Services safety technician Karisa says the three large ferries Mv Harambee, Kilindini and Nyayo have a large carrying capacity.

According to Karisa, Mv Harambee can carry 1,440 passengers and 40 vehicles at every crossing.

Although the technician says there is a system in place to ensure the limit isn’t exceeded, he is hard put to explain how this was done.

It is no secret the three ferries operating at the Likoni Crossing are old and need urgent replacement.

Mv Mvita and Mv Pwani were commissioned in 1969 and 1975 respectively. They are small and frequently stall.

Mv Harambee, Nyayo and Kilindini were commissioned in 1990.

Since the Molo and Nakumatt fire incidents that killed over 120 people two weeks ago, the management of the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has been conducting lecturers for passengers crossing the channel during peak hours.

According to the KFS safety superintendent, Mwachia Kituri, the lectures include demonstrations on large screens as part of the safety measures. His thoughts on the notice, however, are scary.

"The disclaimer on the ferries is not meant to scare people. It is supposed to make passengers responsible for their safety," Kituri says.

Safety measures

To ensure passenger safety, every ferry has a coxswain, a technician, two deck hands that are expert divers, two security guards, and two ‘bouncers’ to control the crowd on board the ferry.

Whether these numbers have been adequate in the event of an accident remains debatable.

Mv Harambee, Nyayo and Kilindini have about 144 life saving jackets and more than 40 buoyancy lifesavers.

"In the incident of fire triggered by fuel, we have portable foam extinguishers and powder, which are the most effective," Kituri says.

He says the engines can also be easily put off at the master control box.

Nzai is however concerned by another occurrence –– an increase in the number of people committing suicide by jumping from the ferries.

"Last week a man jumped from the deck into the sea," Nzai says.

To avert potential disasters, KFS has introduced special times for crossing of fuel tankers.

Ferries carrying fuel tankers are not allowed to carry other motorists or passengers.

It has also made it mandatory for passengers in public vehicles crossing the ferry to alight and board their vehicles after crossing.