Three Kenyan fishermen, who were lost at sea for 22 days following a fishing expedition mishap, have been safely reunited with their families. Unfortunately, one fisherman is believed to have drowned in the incident. The survivors were welcomed back by the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Mr. Salim Mvurya, at Mbaraki Wharf, Mombasa County.

According to Kenya News Agency, The fishermen, Hanseey Baraka Kilian, Akida Idd Mohamed, and Fahad Ali Mohamed, were rescued by the Chinese fishing vessel Lui Quing Yuan U 108 on December 24, 2023, and subsequently picked up by the Kenya Coast Guard Service flagship vessel, Doria. Before reuniting with their families, the survivors underwent counseling. Mvurya praised the efforts of the Kenya Coast Guard Service and expressed gratitude to the Chinese vessel’s crew for their role in the rescue. The fishermen, visibly traumatized, were taken for further medical checkup and counseling. Kenya Coast Guard Director General, Mr. Bruno Shioso, emphasized the need for enhanced maritime search and rescue capabilities and plans to acquire more vessels to strengthen operations. Annually, the Kenya Coast Guard Services handles approximately 900 rescue cases, with a significant portion involving small fishing vessels. Mrs. Lilian Mapenzi Karisa, mother of one of the rescued fishermen, expressed her gratitude for the govern

ment’s and the Chinese vessel’s efforts in saving her son.