As families prepare to lay their loved ones to rest, in the wake of last week’s tragic boat accident at Tudor Creek, the heroism of one young swimmer has become a symbol of hope in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa for his bravery.

Salim Salim, known for his exceptional swimming skills, volunteered in the search and rescue mission after a boat capsized during the East African Ocean Festival’s boating race.

The vessel, carrying 22 members of the Kijiweni Beach Management Unit (BMU) team, capsized near the finish line. Nineteen people were rescued, while three young men in their twenties lost their lives.

Officials say the young man used his own strength and knowledge of the ocean to help locate the missing bodies, working tirelessly alongside the Kenya Navy, Kenya Coast Guard Service, and other responders.

Rewarded

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir announced that the volunteer will be formally rewarded and recruited into the county’s emergency and lifeguard unit as part of a broader plan to strengthen the region’s capacity for marine safety and rescue operations.

“The County Public Service Board will soon begin a competitive recruitment process to identify more youths from Beach Management Units (BMUs) to serve as County Lifeguards, while investing in modern rescue equipment and specialised training.” Mombasa Governor Nassir said.