CITIZENS COMPASS–Following the boat mishap that occurred on Monday night, at Imore, Amuwo-Odofin local government area of Lagos, investigations on Tuesday night, revealed that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), has apprehended the manager Only God Ferry, one of the companies whose boat was involved in the mishap.
Recall that some passengers were dead and some injured during the boat mishap.
The arrest as gathered, would serve as a deterrent to other boat operators who are in the habit of flouting the rules of waterways.
It was learned that the manager was arrested for negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations as stipulated by the waterways authority.
The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedent for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences.
According to NIWA spokesperson in Lagos, Frank Weke, who confirmed the arrest, he said, “Following the boat mishap that occurred on the 7th of October, 2024, at Imore, Lagos, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has conducted a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The mishap involved a fibre boat owned by Only God Ferry which collided with a wooden boat, leading to injuries and missing persons.
“Based on the findings of the investigation, it was established that:
1. The fibre boat veered off its channel and collided with the wooden boat due to the obstructed vision of its captain, largely attributed to the load onboard.
2. Only God Ferry failed to adhere to operational safety standards, and improper navigation procedures.
“As a result of these findings, NIWA has taken decisive action by arresting the Manager of Only God Ferry for negligence and failure to comply with safety regulations as stipulated by the authority. The arrest is aimed at ensuring accountability and setting a precedent for strict adherence to waterways regulations to prevent future occurrences.
“Further legal actions are underway as investigations continue until the Management of Only God Marine produces the captain of the boat to determine if additional charges will be filed.”
In his report of the boat mishap, he said, “On October 7th, 2024, at approximately 6:45 p.m., a fiber boat carrying 13 passengers, along with a deckhand, captain, and cargo, was en route from Ebute Ero to Badagry when it collided with a wooden boat. The wooden boat had just departed from Imore jetty, transporting passengers to Imore waterside.
“Upon investigation, it was found that the wooden boat had barely left the jetty when the fiber boat veered off its course. The collision was attributed to the fiber boat captain’s obstructed vision, likely caused by the boat’s load.
“Of the 15 passengers believed to be aboard the wooden boat (as no passenger manifest was filled), 13 were rescued, with 5 sustaining injuries and currently receiving treatment at a hospital. However, 2 passengers remain missing as of this report.’
