Operation underway to retrieve Likoni ferry accident victims

Major operation is underway to retrieve the occupants of a saloon car that plunged into the Indian Ocean on Sunday evening.

Family members claim 35 year old Mariam Kidenga and 4 year old Amanda Mutheu were onboard the Toyota ISIS when the incident occurred.

The Toyota ISIS motor vehicle plunged into the Indian Ocean while aboard the MV Harambee ferry.

Kenya Ferry Management will issue an updated statement on the incident.

In July, a canter ferrying Taifa Unga has plunged into the Indian Ocean while disembarking MV Harambee at the mainland side ramp of Likoni ferry channel.

The driver, Salim Musa, claims the vehicle brakes failed while attempting to climb the steep ramp at the channel.

The vehicle was ferrying Ksh600,000 worth of cargo from Ukunda, Kwale County to Majengo, Mombasa County.

The 28 year old driver, Salim Musa, says the mechanical failure forced him to steer the ferry to the ocean instead of reversing back into the ferry, arguing reversing the vehicle would have costed lives.