- Ismael Onyango and Marvin Mejole were among the survivors who escaped a horrible incident at the Indian Ocean
- The young men were onboard when a boat carrying 22 participants capsized just metres from the finish line
- They opened up about the traumatic moment, accusing the rescue teams of a slow response after the incident
Two young men who were among the participants in the East Africa Ocean Festival have broken their silence.
Source: Youtube
The survivors were among the 22 participants onboard when their boat capsized in Indian Ocean.
According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, 19 people survived while three remained missing following the incident.
Ismael Onyango, one of the survivors, recounted the chilling experience that happened on Friday, October 10.
“Our fellow brothers who died, died in the second round of the boat turning. That was the moment they gave up; they said, ‘Enough is enough,’” he heartbreakingly said.
Ismael Onyango survives East Africa Ocean Festival incident
He narrated the terrifying moment the boat capsized and how he felt hopeless but refused to give up.
Onyango said that after the boat overturned, chaos erupted in the water as everyone tried to survive by all means.
“I remember someone grabbing my leg. I was also sinking at that time. I had to get away from him. There was an orange boat that came to save us. They were throwing ropes for us to grab and pull ourselves to safety.
I was showing them there was someone next to me who was struggling to keep his head above the water. He couldn’t swim and needed help. But the driver of the boat hit the vessel, shaking his head,” he emotionally said.
One floater for 22 participants at East Africa Ocean Festival
He added that the driver’s movement caused the boat to turn, leading the man who was holding the rope to lose his grip and sink.
Marvin Mejole, another survivor, expressed disappointment over the slow response of the rescue team once the boat capsized.
“Two boats came to our rescue, but they took too long. By the time they reached us, there was only one ring floater thrown into the water. That one floater was the only hope for 22 participants,” he shared heartbreakingly.
Mombasa residents furious after boat capsizes
The same concern was echoed by supporters who witnessed the chaotic moment when the boat, MV Dragon, capsized just metres from the finish line.
They were furious, questioning why participants were not provided with life jackets during the race.
“We need to know who the organisers are because they risked the lives of many people. Why weren’t the participants wearing life jackets? That is careless, and we demand answers,” one angry man said as others supported him in the background.
Mombasa woman inconsolable after nephew dies
In the same incident, a woman was inconsolable after identifying her nephew among the missing participants.
She could not hold back her tears, saying the young man was his family’s only child.
“The young man is my sister’s son. My sister is devastated. Why didn’t the organisers choose participants who know how to swim? Why did they risk the lives of young people? What will my sister do? She is so heartbroken. We call upon the relevant authorities to please help us,” she cried.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
