Lagos boat accident kills two as one goes missing

On Friday, two bodies were recovered while captain of the boat was said to be missing after a boat en route to Ikorodu from Ebute-Ero, Lagos, capsized.

10 passengers however survived the accident which occurred around 8pm.

The General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyitolu, who confirmed the casualties, blamed the accident on violation of the nighttime restriction on water travel.

He said, “On arrival at the incident scene, information gathered was that 14 people on a local boat expedition were inside a boat, which capsized around 8pm, having departed Ebute-Ero en route to Ikorodu in violation of nighttime restrictions on water travel.

“Search-and-rescue operations commenced albeit under extremely challenging nightfall conditions. Ten persons were rescued alive, while two bodies were recovered. Captain of the boat is still missing.”

The Managing Director, Lagos Waterways Authority, Mr Emmanuel Damilola, who also confirmed the accident, said four persons were missing.

“Ten persons were rescued while the remaining four persons were missing. The boat operated in defiance to the operation rules and regulation of water transport,” he added.