Chaos, frustration at Likoni, Mombasa as another ferry stalls

FERRY CRISIS; Ferry crisis at the Mombasa ramp last night on Friday, October 23, 2015 in Mombasa County as Commuters and Motorists scramble to cross to South coast. Two ferries were withdrawn by the management for repair. PHOTO: MAARUFU MOHAMED/STANDARD

MOMBASA: Thousands of passengers and motorists were stranded after  two ferries broke down Friday. The Likoni channel, which is used by 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, is usually served by five ferries but only two were in operation.

Huge crowds and long queues of vehicles formed as the two ferries in operation were overwhelmed. Mv Nyayo broke down in the morning while Mv Harambee was withdrawn five days ago after it developed mechanical problems. The fifth ferry Mv Kilindini has been undergoing repairs and maintenance at the African Marine and General Engineering shipyard since last month.