12/10/2025
MEDIA UPDATE: For Immediate Release
Mombasa, Kenya – October 12, 2025
FOLLOW-UP UPDATE ON THE DRAGON BOAT INCIDENT AT TUDOR CREEK
This is a follow-up to our official statement issued on October 10, 2025, regarding the tragic dragon boat incident that occurred during the East African Ocean Festival (TEAOF) at Tudor Creek, Mombasa.
Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and teammates of the Kijiweni Youth Uplift Team members affected by this tragedy. We continue to stand in solidarity with them during this extremely difficult time.
As earlier reported, the search and rescue operation, led by the Kenya Navy and supported by the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, Tourist Police Unit, County Government of Mombasa, and the Festival Marine Safety Team, remains ongoing, with teams working tirelessly on site.
The East African Ocean Festival, which was planned for 9-11 October 2025 and held at Fort Jesus and Tudor Watersports, featured a range of ocean sports and cultural activities that attracted over 700 competitors across multiple disciplines. The ocean sports activities included open sea swimming, kayaking, sailing, jet ski racing, traditional dhow racing, traditional canoe racing and dragon boat racing. The dragon boat race, which was among the final events of the festival, featured 225 participants drawn from institutions and coastal community groups.
The Kijiweni Youth Uplift Team had 22 registered members, plus three substitutes, consistent with all other teams. At the time of the unfortunate incident, three dragon boat knockout races had already taken place, and the Kijiweni Youth Uplift Team was participating in their final and the last race of the day. Out of the 22 members aboard the boat that capsized, 19 were rescued through the swift and coordinated efforts of the multi-agency safety team on site.
At the time of the incident, a comprehensive safety operation was in place, led by the Kenya Navy and supported by the Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Maritime Authority, Tourist Police Unit, and the Festival Marine Safety Team, all equipped with rescue and emergency response equipment.
The East African Ocean Festival has always been conducted under a robust safety management framework, including a Safety Manual and Risk Assessment Plan. All participants received pre-event safety briefings, certified life jackets, and took part in safety drills. Medical, paramedic, ambulances and emergency response teams were stationed on-site throughout the event.
The TEAOF Organizing Committee has remained on-site since the incident, working closely with the response teams and the County Government of Mombasa to support the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts. We continue to stand with the families, survivors, and rescue personnel through the provision of meals, drinking water, and psycho-traumatic support. The festival has also covered all medical expenses for participants who required treatment.
While this tragedy has deeply affected everyone involved, we remain profoundly grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and compassion demonstrated by all government agencies, volunteers, and community members assisting in the ongoing mission.
All remaining festival activities remain suspended out of respect for those affected and to ensure that full attention remains on the rescue and recovery operation.
The East African Ocean Festival remains committed to promoting ocean safety, celebrating maritime heritage, and advancing sustainable blue economy livelihoods. At this difficult moment, we stand united in the spirit of compassion and resilience that defines our community.
For Media Inquiries:
Communications Office,
The East African Ocean Festival (TEAOF).
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +254 700 222 263
