Three dead, 20 missing after river boat capsizes in eastern Kenya

Three people are confirmed dead while 20 others have gone missing after a passenger boat capsized in flood waters in Tana River County in eastern Kenya on Sunday, April 28.

The unidentified vessel was ferrying passengers between the towns of Madogo and Garissa when it capsized at around 18:30 local time on Sunday.

Personnel from the Kenya Red Cross and various partner agencies were able to rescue only 22 people out of the 45 who were on the boat.

The search and rescue (SAR) effort was temporarily suspended due to deteriorating visibility on Sunday evening and was resumed at daylight on Monday, April 29.

Only three bodies have since been recovered from the surrounding waters. However, the Kenya Red Cross assured that the SAR effort will continue.

Local officials said residents have been forced to travel by boat between towns as rising water levels caused by heavy rains have prevented the use of buses and other motor vehicles.