August 11, 2025 – Mombasa, Kenya – The Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has announced plans to remove and dispose of the grounded barge COMARCO 3652, which has been declared abandoned after posing significant risks to the marine environment and navigation safety.
According to KMA, an assessment of the vessel—located off the Nyali area in Mombasa County—revealed that its current state endangers both maritime traffic and marine ecosystems. Acting under Section 323 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2009, the Authority has officially classified the barge as abandoned.
The notice, signed by KMA Director General Captain Omar Nyarandi, also invites any individual or entity with an ownership claim to come forward within seven days of the notice date. Claimants must submit supporting documentation to the Director General’s office at KMA headquarters in Mombasa.
Hadija Ashley, a marine surveyor at Observater Surveys and Services Limited, said the decision is a necessary step to ensure navigational safety along Kenya’s busy coastline.
“Abandoned vessels not only pose direct hazards to ships and smaller craft, but can also cause long-term environmental damage through corrosion, leakage of fuel or other materials, and disruption of marine habitats. Removing them promptly is essential for protecting both shipping activities and the coastal ecosystem,” she explained.
This move is part of KMA’s mandate to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection, particularly in Kenya’s busy coastal waters. If no valid claims are lodged, the Authority will proceed with removing and disposing of the vessel in accordance with legal provisions.
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