On Saturday, December 7, a Mombasa motorist identified as John Mutinda, drove his vehicle off the ferry slip at the Likoni channel plunging into the Indian Ocean.
The incident was reported to have occurred at 4:20 a.m with the Kenya Ferry Services (KFS) management stating that the man drove off at high speed immediately without purchasing a ticket and almost hit a KFS employee in the process.
A rescue mission was conducted with the body of the man retrieved during the day and the vehicle hours later.
On Monday, December 9, CCTV footage showing the moment the vehicle believed to belong to Mutinda plunged into the ocean was released.
The vehicle is seen approaching the channel at high speed before crashing into the water. It floats on the water for a few minutes before it quickly sinks seconds later.
In the darkness, only the head and rear lights are seen illuminating the water surface before it plunges into the ocean.
Moments after the incident, another truck is seen approaching the ocean.
According to reports by KTN, on that fateful morning, Mutinda hastily left home in his pyjamas and drove to the channel.
His wife, Ruth Mueni, informed K24 TV that Mutinda told her that he dreamt receiving a phone call from his late father who instructed him to drive to Mombasa CBD, where they would meet.
She would later receive a phone call from their pastor informing her of her husband’s death.
Updates by the Kenya Ferry Services stated that the prompt response by a multi-agency team had led to the successful conclusion of the retrieval exercise.
“On behalf of the management and staff of Kenya Ferry Services, we wish to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased following the unfortunate loss of life,” the agency stated.
The body of the deceased was taken to the Coast General Hospital Mortuary.
Below is the footage courtesy of Daily Nation:
