Two more accidents at Likoni ferry channel cause anxiety
Harrison Kivisu and Reuben Mwambingu
Only three days after a bus belonging to a tour company slipped from aboard a ferry and plunged into the ocean at the Likoni crossing channel, an almost similar accident occurred at the same spot yesterday, this time involving a loaded lorry from Tanzania.
The incident added to a series of accidents that have befallen the channel, raising safety concerns among daily users.
The driver of the trailer blamed the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) for ignoring the plight of motorists using the channel.
Motorists have frequently complained of very steep and slippery ramps that pose grave danger to motorists while approaching the ferry, a situation worsened when it rains, because the gradient becomes slippery making it more likely for motorists to plunge into the ocean.
Hassan Shaban, 29, was transporting 30 tonnes of floor tiles from Chalise in Tanzania to Changamwe in Mombasa West.
Upon reaching the Likoni Crossing channel, the vehicle he was driving slipped and hit the ferry’s prow, before sliding into the ocean, the driver said.
“The lower part of the vehicle hit the ferry, I came out and signaled the Coxswain not to move the ferry, but he ignored my plea, my lorry started sliding into the Indian Ocean.
If they listened to my plea, the accident could been avoided,” said Shaban.
Also yesterday afternoon, an Island pickup belonging to SGA security company overturned on the mainland side of the same channel.
The pickup was ferrying household goods from the mainland.
The driver and another occupant in the car sustained slight injuries.
CCTV clips at the channel showed the loaded pickup emerging as it approached just behind other vehicles waiting to board the ferry before suddenly swerving on the left climbing on a staircase.
