Three family members, including a child, narrowly escaped death on Friday when their car plunged into the Indian Ocean. Their rescue by the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) has left the community in gratitude for the swift response of the emergency teams.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. The family’s vehicle was in the process of disembarking from a ferry ramp at the Likoni Ferry Channel. Eyewitnesses described the moment when the car suddenly veered off course, broke through the safety barriers, and plunged into the ocean waters.
Pedestrians at the Likoni Channel Ferry, Indian Ocean. Photo| Courtesy
As panic and shock spread among onlookers, the Kenya Ferry Services immediately sprang into action. Within moments, divers were in the water, and emergency teams were on the scene. The team made heroic efforts to save the trapped family.
The KFS divers managed to reach the sinking car and extracted the occupants – a family comprising two adults and a child. The rescue operation took place amidst challenging conditions, with strong currents and the ever-present danger of a submerged vehicle.
Miraculous Escape and Vehicle Recovery
Eventually, all three family members were successfully rescued from the submerged car and were swiftly provided with medical attention. They were taken to a nearby medical facility for a thorough checkup and were reported to be in stable condition.
The KFS, in collaboration with other emergency response teams, continued their efforts to recover the vehicle from the depths of the Indian Ocean.
With the use of specialized equipment and skilled personnel, the sunken car was safely retrieved from the ocean and towed to the Likoni Police Station.
Local residents and witnesses at the scene expressed their gratitude for the swift and effective response of the rescue teams. Evidently, their heroic actions prevented what could have been a devastating tragedy.
The Likoni Ferry Channel serves as an essential transportation link for residents and travelers between Mombasa Island and the south coast of Kenya.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to this accident. This inquiry will examine whether any safety protocols were overlooked or if there were any mechanical failures that contributed to the incident.
