Joy Anyim
A boat mishap around Offin in Ibeshe area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, has killed two persons, with one other still missing.
According to the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), four passengers were rescued alive from the mishap.
Giving details of the accident in a statement, LASWA General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, said that the fishing boat was coming from Makoko Community and had seven passengers, all relatives, onboard.
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He said, “Five adults including the boat captain and two toddlers capsized into the Lagos lagoon while heading to Offin area in Ikorodu. Inquiries showed that the cause of the incidence was the rough water current usually recorded around the Area.”
Mr. Emmanuel stated that the first responders to the incident was a passenger’s ferry that witnessed the incident before the arrival of LASWA rescue team.
“Further inquiries revealed the fishing boat was clearly operating outside its fishing capability and therefore not equipped with necessary safety gadgets for passengers ferry operation.
“It carried the occupants, who were all related and headed to Offin for a relative’s funeral.
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“Upon further investigations it was revealed that all seven passengers on board were not wearing a life jacket.
“Four passengers were rescued alive two fatalities and one passenger missing, ” he stated.
It was learnt that men from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) and Marine Police were contacted to support the ongoing search operation for the remaining victim, while further investigation was ongoing as at press time.
