The Kenya Red Cross is conducting extensive search and rescue operations in response to the tragic boat capsize incident, which occurred at Kwa Bruno Channel, close to the LAPSSET area in Lamu County.

Taking it to their X handle on Thursday, May 21, 2026, the Kenya Red Cross confirmed that four individuals have so far been successfully rescued from the waters and rushed to nearby medical facilities, where they are receiving treatment. There hasn’t been a complete report yet, but doctors are closely watching how they’re doing.

But four other people have not been accounted for, and a multi-agency intensive search has been underway since the incident was reported, with coordinated efforts now underway. Search and rescue operations are underway to try to find any possible survivors in the water and nearby coastal areas.

“Search and rescue efforts are ongoing following a boat capsize incident at Kwa Bruno Channel near the LAPSSET area in Lamu County. Four people have been rescued and taken to the hospital, while search efforts continue for four missing persons. The response involves Kenya Red Cross aqua divers, the Beach Management Unit, and community fishing boats,” Kenya Red Cross noted.

The Kenya Red Cross aqua rescue divers, the Beach Management Unit (BMU), and the fishing boats of the affected community have all worked together to enhance the search capability throughout the marine area. The partnership has played a key role in channelising the extension of the channel, especially when fishing is conducted in the waters, and maritime activities are associated with the developments in the LAPSSET corridor.

Authorities launch investigations

According to witnesses and local fishers, the boat seemed to have some trouble in its course before it capsized, but the reason behind the incident is not yet officially confirmed. Authorities have indicated that investigations will be carried out once the rescue and recovery operations are stabilised.

Rescue divers were deployed at strategic locations deemed high-probability search areas, and surface teams are continuing to search waters, working alongside community boats with experience of the area. Additional work has been done on adjacent shorelines in the event that one of the lost persons was swept away.

Meanwhile, emotional scenes have been witnessed along the shoreline, where families of the missing are keeping vigil, anxiously awaiting updates and clinging to hope that their loved ones may still be found alive.

Searchers have restated their pledge to keep searching without a break and stated that they are using all resources they have to locate all persons who are missing.