There has been a confirmation that two persons have died in a boat accident that happened at 7 pm on Monday around Offin Ibeshe, Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the General Manager of Lagos State Waterways Authority, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel. He said that the victims were going to a relative’s funeral. Four persons were, however, rescued.
He said the fishing boat involved was coming from Makoko Community and was conveying seven passengers – five adults including the boat captain and two toddlers – before it capsized into the Lagos lagoon while heading to Offin area in Ikorodu.
According to Punch, the LASWA boss added, “Further inquires revealed that the cause of the incidence was the rough water current usually recorded around the area.
“The first responders to the incident was a passenger ferry that witnessed the incident before the arrival of LASWA rescue team.
“Inquiries reveal that 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 are all related and going to Offin for a relative’s funeral.
“Upon further investigations, it was revealed that all seven passengers aboard were not wearing a lifejacket. Four passengers were rescued alive, two fatalities, and one passenger missing.
“The men of the LASEMA and Marine Police have been contacted to support the ongoing search operation for the remaining victim while further investigation is ongoing.”
