CITIZENS COMPASS–Two unregistered boats have reportedly capsised in the Amuwo-Odofin area of Lagos leaving 32 passengers drowned though 11 of them were rescued by emergency responders.
Those rescued were said to be injured and were receiving medical attention at Navy Town.
The incident was said to have occurred at about 7p.m on Monday but was confirmed on Tuesday.
According to reports, each boat were with 16 passengers onboard when they collided around Imore Town.
It was gathered that the Marine Police immediately swung into action, rescued 11 of the passengers and activated search and rescue for others.
The spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, confirmed the incident report on Tuesday.
According to him, the Ilashe Division of the Command received a distress call on Monday night.
“On 07/10/24 at about 1900hrs, a distress call was received at Ilashe Division that 2 unregistered passengers boats, both having 16 passengers on board, allegedly collided at the middle of the lagoon at Imore town and in the process, the
boats capsized and the passengers got drowned with the goods.
“Based on the report, teams of conventional/marine policemen, local divers and other emergency responders were swiftly mobilised to the scene where 11 of the passengers were rescued with injuries and were rushed to naval hospital, Navy Town, Alakija, for medical attention while search and rescue operation is being intensified, with a view to recover bodies of other victims. meanwhile, investigation is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), on its official WhatsApp platform said, “A boat collision occurred yesterday evening at Imore on the Lagos waterways, involving two vessels: “Only God 13” and a wooden boat. At approximately 7:00 PM, “Only God 13,” traveling from Ebutte Ero to Badagry with 15 passengers, collided with a wooden boat carrying 10 passengers from Alakija to Imore.
“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.”
