The Lagos State Police Command on Wednesday, said that three corpses have been recovered following a boat accident which occurred on Monday, in the Amuwo-Odofin area of the state.
This was disclosed by the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin.
“Three corpses recovered today,” he said in a terse statement.
THE WHISTLER reports that two boats collided in the middle of the lagoon near Imore town, causing both vessels to capsize and resulting in passengers being thrown into the water.
According to the State Waterways Authority (LASWA) in a statement on Tuesday, the accident happened at about 7:00p.m when a boat with inscription , “Only God 13,” traveling from Ebutte Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers, collided with a wooden boat carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.
The agency added that while all the 15 passengers on board “Only God 13” were rescued safely, five passengers from the wooden boat remained unaccounted for.
“Fortunately, all 15 passengers on board “Only God 13” were rescued safely and are waiting at the jetty to collect their goods. However, five passengers from the wooden boat sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention. Regrettably, five individuals remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue efforts are ongoing.
“In response, LASWA and NIWA officials convened an emergency meeting with Imore community chiefs and the State Marine Officer to coordinate rescue operations and support affected families.
“LASWA, LASEMA, NIWA, Marine Police and Local Operators are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide assistance to those affected,” LASWA said.
Meanwhile, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Tuesday said the manager of the “Only God 13” ferry had been arrested.
The arrest follows an in-depth investigation into the incident, which uncovered serious safety violations.
“The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedence for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences,” said the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA, Mrs. Sarat Braimah, adding that legal actions are underway as the investigation continues.
Lagos Boat Collision: Three Corpses Recovered is first published on The Whistler Newspaper