Constant hitches at the Likoni ferry crossing channel occasioned by ferry breakdowns and more recently, striking workers, have left commuters using the channel a worried lot.

The problem was escalated last Wednesday evening after MV Likoni that had just returned from repairs developed engine problems.

Passengers aboard the ferry spent close to four hours in the ocean after it lost direction.

"We just saw the ferry taking the Mtongwe direction as we started the journey from Likoni side headed to the island side," said one of the passengers.

"After the coxswain managed to control it, the ferry took another direction headed to the Mama Ngina drive. It almost hit the dredger ship near club Florida," the passenger added.

The confusion left passengers screaming until another ferry, MV Kwale, came in to tow it out of dange

Kenya Ferry Services Managing Director Hassan Musa while admitting there are hitches said they are manageable.