Boosting maritime safety and security with new Search and Rescue boats

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02.10.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to KENYA

Kenya boosts maritime safety and security with new Search and Rescue boats funded by the European Union, through the Go Blue project.

© EU Delegation to Kenya

In a significant step towards bolstering maritime safety and search and rescue (SAR) operations along Kenya's coastline, the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has officially received five state-of-the-art "Search and Rescue" (SAR) boats. The vessels, part of the EU-funded GO Blue project, were provided through Expertise France to enhance Kenya's capacity to respond to emergencies at sea.

The SAR boats, which include two large and three smaller vessels, are equipped with cutting-edge navigation and technology to operate efficiently both near the shore and in deeper waters. These vessels will be stationed along key points of Kenya's coastline, ready to respond to emergencies with greater speed and precision.

"The European Union is proud to partner with Kenya in supporting its maritime safety and security. By investing in modern equipment and capacity-building for key personnel, we are ensuring that more lives can be saved in emergencies at sea," stated H.E. Henriette Geiger, European Union Ambassador to Kenya.

"The delivery of these SAR boats is a game changer for Kenya's maritime safety. With these resources, we are better equipped to respond quickly and save lives. Our personnel, trained and ready, will utilize these boats to their full potential, ensuring swift and coordinated responses to any distress at sea," says Eng. Martin Dzombo Munga, Director General of the Kenya Maritime Authority.

Today's handover ceremony marks a milestone in the ongoing collaborative efforts between various Kenyan maritime agencies, including KMA, the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), the Kenya Red Cross, and various County Rescue Teams. Over the past weeks, these agencies have undergone intensive hands-on trainings using the new boats to enhance their SAR capabilities, preparing them to operate in both coastal and deep-sea conditions.

"This initiative is about more than just handing over boats - it's about empowering Kenya's maritime sector. These new boats, combined with the expertise of the agencies we have trained, ensure that these vessels will be operated with maximum efficiency, creating a safer coastline for all," said Gaëlle Pasquier, Project Manager for Go Blue, Expertise France.

The training and handover of the SAR boats represent a long-term investment in the safety of Kenya's coastal waters. With the new boats and enhanced skills, Kenyan SAR teams are now better prepared to respond swiftly and efficiently to maritime emergencies, ensuring the safety of both, local communities and international maritime traffic.