Drama unfolded at the busy Likoni Ferry crossing in Mombasa after one of the ferries reportedly struggled to dock amid strong ocean currents and unusually high tides, leaving commuters and onlookers watching anxiously from the shore.
A video circulating online shows the tense moment as people gathered along the shores, seemingly unsure of what would happen as the ferry encountered difficulties while approaching the docking area.
The incident sparked fear among some commuters, with many closely monitoring the vessel as officials and members of the public watched from a distance.
The Likoni Channel is a critical transport link between Mombasa Island and the mainland, carrying thousands of pedestrians and motorists every day. However, strong tidal movements and ocean currents can make navigation and docking particularly challenging for ferry operators.
When currents become intense, ferry captains may face difficulties maintaining precise alignment with the docking ramps. This can result in delays, drifting or challenges during the boarding and disembarkation of passengers and vehicles.
Such conditions can also pose significant safety concerns, particularly when a vessel is approaching the ramp. Strong currents may increase the risk of a ferry drifting off course, colliding with infrastructure or struggling to align safely for passengers and vehicles to disembark.
For commuters, even a relatively short disruption can have a major impact. Delays at the crossing can leave large numbers of pedestrians and motorists stranded, especially during peak hours when the ferry is operating at high capacity.
In situations where a vessel experiences steering difficulties or struggles to dock safely, maritime and ferry personnel may be called upon to provide assistance, including the use of support vessels where necessary.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the challenges posed by changing marine conditions at one of Kenya’s busiest ferry crossings.
Commuters using the Likoni Channel have been urged to remain alert and follow instructions from ferry officials whenever weather and sea conditions deteriorate.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the channel and issuing operational updates where necessary as efforts are made to ensure the safety of passengers, motorists and ferry crews.
