Likoni channel declared military zone as search for victims continues

Kenya Ferry Services Chairman Dan Mwazo (C), his Managing Director Bakari Gowa (left) and the Kenya Navy Tragedy Recovery Operation Commander Col. Lawrence Gituma (right) address the media at the Mbaraki Wharf in Mombasa County on October 6, 2019. KFS boss Mwazo has declared the channel a military zone temporarily to allow for operations. [File, Standard]

The Likoni ferry area has been cordoned off and declared a no-go-zone for the members of the public ahead of the multi-agency search for the bodies of the ferry tragedy victims.

The declaration banning the civilian, which includes even journalists was pronounced on Monday afternoon by the Kenya Ferry Services Chairman Dan Mwazo.

The area is now under the command of the naval and KFS bosses.

“The divers who have been hired by the family from Subsea company are here. The government has also hired three more from South Africa. We also have machines for the operations…They have therefore requested people to vacate this place so that it eases their operation,” said Mwazo.

The family of the victims, Mariam Kighenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu, have hired a group of divers drawn from Subsea of Subtech Group company from South Africa to help in retrieving the car and the bodies.

 The Monday joint operation, however, kicked off late after an interruption from the Indian Airforce who were scheduled to use the channel for their exercise.

"We are late because of the Indian air force who had to put their big four ships in order. They have come for a visit and to do some exercise. However, we are going to embark on our operations anytime soon from now," said KFS boss Mwazo.

Mr Mwazo also told the press the Indian Airforce could be involved in the search as well.

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