What Crew Members Say About Mf-Jambo

On the evening of February 24, 2020, the 'Jambo' ferry encountered a significant mechanical issue while traversing the bustling Likoni Channel in Mombasa. The incident unfolded amid high tides and strong currents, which led to the ferry's engine overheating. In response to the situation, the coxswain made the critical decision to shut down one of the engines to mitigate further risks. Fortunately, two nearby ferries were on standby to provide assistance if required. After a thorough assessment and prompt intervention by on-site engineers, the mechanical challenges were addressed, allowing the 'Jambo' to resume its operations, albeit with a focus on transporting vehicles instead of passengers.

On November 18, 2019, at approximately 2:30 PM, the ferry 'Jambo' experienced a critical steering gear failure while navigating the Likoni Channel, part of its route across the Indian Ocean from Mombasa to Likoni. The vessel, rendered inoperable, was subsequently rescued by the m/v 'Kwale,' which successfully towed the stricken ferry to the island ramp. Following this incident, 'Jambo' is scheduled for essential repairs at the Mbaraki wharf to restore its operational capabilities.

The Likoni Channel in Mombasa faced significant traffic disruptions on the morning of September 12, 2018, when the ferry 'Jambo' experienced mechanical failure on the Mombasa Island side. The situation escalated as the 'Jambo' required assistance from the tugboat 'Kiboko II', blocking access for two other ferries attempting to dock at the busy terminal. Motorists and pedestrians eager to cross the Indian Ocean to reach the South Coast found themselves ensnared in long queues, leading to frustration among commuters rushing to their destinations. With only three ferries—'Nyayo', 'Harambee', and 'Kwale'—available for service, passengers were forced to cram onto these vessels. This incident highlighted ongoing challenges at the Likoni crossing, where ferry breakdowns can severely impact daily commuters. For further details, you can view reports and footage here: [Nation](https://www.nation.co.ke/counties/mombasa/Traffic-woes-rock-Likoni-Channel/1954178-4755382-gqyq1ez/index.html) and [The Star](https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2018/09/12/video-crisis-as-three-ferries-break-down-at-likoni_c1817553).