Kilifi Woman Survives 16-Hour Nightmare as Two Captains Drown at Sea

Kilifi County is in mourning following a maritime tragedy that claimed the lives of two fishermen from Mnarani village on the night of May 23. 

The incident occurred after a group of local fishers defied advisories cautioning against venturing into the Indian Ocean due to hazardous weather conditions. One survivor is currently receiving medical treatment and recounting the ordeal. The group consisted of four boats, each carrying three crew members, including Captain Abdalla Muhidhin, co-captain Hatari Kitsao, and Aisha Mohamed, a fisher and single mother of four. 

Despite warnings of strong winds and rough seas, the team set out from Mnarani, initially planning to fish in shallower waters, before proceeding into deeper parts of the ocean, a decision that resulted in the boat capsizing at around 8 p.m. As the waves intensified, the crew of the ill-fated vessel struggled against the elements. 

Mohamed, now recovering at Kilifi County Referral Hospital, reported that the trio initially held onto each other for support. As exhaustion grew, Captain Muhidhin succumbed to the harsh conditions. Mohamed and Kitsao attempted to secure his body with ropes to prevent it from drifting, before tying themselves to the capsized boat.

With the coming of dawn, both fishers realised that they were on the brink of collapse, prompting them to make the agonising decision to release the captain's body. The captain's body was recovered in Watamu on Sunday. The two tied themselves to the capsized boat, desperately attempting to hold on through the night. Mohamed, who had received prior swimming training, encouraged Kitsao to swim alongside her, using the current to their advantage. 

Mohamed had a small life jacket, but Kitsao was left to rely on his strength alone. Although Kitsao initially made progress, he soon succumbed to exhaustion. Mohamed continued to swim, desperately screaming for help, until she was spotted by a boat operated by the Mnarani Beach Management Unit. Crew members rescued her, but Kitsao perished at sea.

The incident has prompted widespread grief within the local fishing community and serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of deep-sea fishing and the critical importance of adhering to maritime advisories. In the wake of the tragedy, Mohamed has issued a public appeal, urging fellow fishers to heed warnings and avoid setting sail when conditions are perilous.

Mohamed's background is marked by resilience. A survivor of gender-based violence, she turned to fishing to support her four children after their father abandoned them. Despite the trauma she has experienced, Mohamed aspires to become a captain, aiming to navigate the industry with increased wisdom and caution.

Her mother, Shida Katana, has voiced distress over the risks her daughter faces to provide for her family. She has called for increased support for women facing economic hardship. Authorities have reiterated the importance of heeding maritime advisories, emphasising that such warnings are issued to protect lives.