Barawa, Banadir – The Banadir coastal town of Barawa is in distress as three young fishermen have gone missing after venturing out to sea last Friday. The trio had left in the afternoon, with the intention of returning by early Saturday morning. However, as the day went by without any contact from them, their families grew increasingly worried.
Eyewitnesses claim that warnings were issued about the dangerous conditions at sea during this monsoon period, but unfortunately, the young men chose to ignore these pleas for caution. Barawa sits at the rim of the Indian Ocean, known for its deadly monsoons every year. While incidents of individuals going missing at sea are common in Barawa, the close-knit community found themselves deeply troubled by this latest disappearance. Local residents rallied together, dispatching several boats to search for the missing fishermen.
Adding to the concern is the fact that the food ration the young men carried with them was only sufficient for two days. “Once we go to the deep sea at night, we can’t see anything, and when the storm picks up, people can get lost,” remarked a local fisherman in an interview with TV Barawa, highlighting the perilous nature of the waters.
Finally, on Sunday morning at 10 am, a group of fishermen found the missing individuals on a small island near Kismayu, a distance of 287 kilometers from Barawa. When questioned about their decision to venture out despite the warnings, the fishermen explained that they felt compelled to do so in order to provide for their families. The desperate need for money to feed their loved ones overcame their judgement, leading them into hazardous conditions.
Reports have begun to circulate suggesting that the three fishermen’s boss had pressured them to work and bring back a successful catch. Fishing is a crucial industry in Barawa, with many young men flocking to the seas in search of a livelihood. The incident serves as a reminder of the poverty that plagues the region, forcing individuals to take risks and endanger their lives in order to support their families.
As a result, the local leaders and boat owners in Barawa are being urged to take immediate action in order to minimise the increasing number of fishermen who go missing at sea. The community recognises the need for both safety precautions and economic support, ensuring that individuals are not driven to such extreme measures due to desperate circumstances.
The disappearance of these three young fishermen in Barawa has jolted the community, who are now demanding accountability and proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. It is a reminder of the challenges faced by coastal communities in the Banadir Coast and the pressing need to address poverty and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
