Drowning in Tragedy: Lagos Boat Capsize Claims Lives
A devastating incident unfolded in Lagos on Monday night as two passenger boats capsized in Imore Lagoon, leading to the feared loss of over twenty lives. Each boat was reportedly carrying 16 passengers when a collision occurred around 7 PM, resulting in a catastrophic failure of both vessels.
As details emerge, the circumstances surrounding the boats’ journey remain unclear, including where they were loaded and their intended destination. According to police spokesman SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the situation is dire, with all 32 passengers and their belongings presumed to have drowned.
Rescue efforts led by the police, local divers, and emergency responders successfully saved 11 individuals, who were subsequently rushed to Naval Town Hospital in Ojo for medical treatment due to various injuries sustained during the incident.
In a concerning revelation, it was noted that the capsized boats were unregistered, which raises significant questions about safety regulations and enforcement in Lagos waterways. A report regarding the tragic accident has been lodged at the Ilashe Police Division, initiating an investigation into the circumstances that led to this disaster.
As search and rescue operations continue for the remaining victims, efforts to obtain comments from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) have been unsuccessful, with calls to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Osayintolu, going unanswered.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in water transport and the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect passengers on Nigeria’s waterways.
