A ferry traveling from Freetown to Lungi got stuck in the middle of the sea on Saturday, 28th June 2025, after running into exposed seabed where water had pulled back during low tide.

The ferry had reportedly left the Kissy Terminal when it stopped far from shore. The ferry was visible from the Lungi Terminal. A viral video showed passengers on board as the ferry appeared surrounded by shallow water, with the center section completely dry.

In the video, it was said that boats were out helping with the rescue, picking up stranded passengers and bringing them to the Lungi side. Details on how many passengers were helped off the ferry or if anyone was hurt are not available.

The incident has led to renewed public calls for the construction of the planned Lungi Bridge. Online reactions described the sea crossing as unreliable and raised concerns about transport access to the airport.

The Lungi Bridge has been part of ongoing discussions. Several Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with international companies, including one with a United States company in June 2025. Construction has not yet begun.

Some social media users questioned whether the sudden sea pullback could be linked to a tsunami. No earthquake or tsunami alert has been issued in Sierra Leone or nearby coastal areas.

According to reports, the Freetown to Lungi route passes through shallow coastal waters. During low tide, sandbanks can appear and cause boats or ferries to get stuck. The ferry was later able to continue after the water level rose.

No further disruptions were reported after the ferry got stuck. The call for the construction of the Lungi Bridge remains strong among the public.