Two women died after a tourist boat carrying visitors and crew members capsized in the Indian Ocean off Watamu, Kilifi County.
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at about 4:30pm near Love Island, within the waters of Crystal Bay Beach Resort.
The boat, christened Assalwa, was carrying tourists, tour guides and crew members on a return journey to Watamu Beach when it was hit by strong ocean waves and capsized.
The passengers included six Italian tourists who had checked into Sun Palm Hotel on August 22 and were scheduled to check out on September 1.
Five local tourists and three tour guides were also on board, alongside two crew members.
The occupants raised an alarm for help after the boat capsized, prompting local community divers to respond using boats.
The rescuers managed to bring all the occupants to safety. However, two women were found unconscious and rushed to hospital.
They were pronounced dead on arrival.
The deceased were identified as Alice Wambui, a 35-year-old woman, and Janira Sarah, a 26-year-old woman who was among the tour guides.
Police officers from Watamu Police Station visited the scene, while Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers from Malindi processed and documented the scene.
The two bodies were moved to Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary, where they were awaiting postmortem examinations.
Local officials have urged guides to be cautious while venturing into the ocean due to unpredictable weather.
There has been a rise in cases of capsizing in the waters.
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