Mystery at Indian Ocean as Man Vanishes After Jumping Off Likoni Ferry, Leaves Behind Two Things

Passengers aboard the Likoni ferry were left in shock on Sunday morning after a man jumped into the Indian Ocean in what police believe was a suicide attempt.

The incident happened around 5:45 a.m. as the ferry traveled from the mainland to Mombasa Island.

Passengers described a sudden panic as the man leapt overboard, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation that lasted several hours.

Authorities explained that the area where the man jumped is one of the deepest parts of the channel, making recovery difficult. 

Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno confirmed that teams were still searching the area on Monday. 

“We don’t know what motivated him, but our officers are actively looking for him,” he said.

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) security team reported that the man left behind a mobile phone and a pair of slippers before jumping. 

Rescue personnel quickly deployed boats to the scene, with KPA and police officers working together to locate him. 

Investigators are examining the mobile phone for any clues about his identity and reasons for the jump.

Police noted that incidents of people falling or jumping from ferries have been common over the years. Some are accidental, while others are confirmed suicides. 

In many cases, quick intervention has either saved lives or resulted in tragic losses. Sunday’s case has been classified as a suicide attempt, although the motive remains unknown.

A similar event occurred in November 2022 when a middle-aged man jumped into the ocean mid-crossing, causing panic among passengers. 

That time, KPA and ferry rescue teams acted swiftly and saved the man, who was later given medical attention.